Starting a Lifelong Journey to Health, Preventing Osteoporosis and Achieving Overall Wellness

JAKARTA, 20th October 2021 - According to the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) 2020, osteoporosis is defined as a systemic skeletal disease characterized by deterioration of bone tissue with a consequent increase in bone fragility and susceptibility to fracture. According to the Health Ministry’s 2020 Report, 2 out of 5 Indonesians are at risk of developing osteoporosis.

The likelihood of developing osteoporosis depends partly on how much bone mass is attained in youth. At a young age, the body forms new bones much faster with higher density. After early 20s, bone formation starts to slow down. Most people will reach peak bone mass by the age of 30. Past the age of 35, bone density decreases by 0.3% - 0.5% annually^[1].

It is highly recommended to start eating healthy and exercising regularly at a young age to ensure optimum bone growth, an effort to help us stay healthy and lively as we grow older. Even in our twilight years, a healthy, nutritious diet is still important to help maintain our bone health and slow down bone loss.

dr. Lily Banonah Rivai, M. Epid, Diabetes Mellitus & Metabolic Disorder Coordinator at the Health Ministry, said: Osteoporosis is very concerning disease because it is often asymptomatic until a bone fracture occurs. We call it a “silent disease” and osteoporosis is a growing problem worldwide.  It is estimated that in every 3 seconds, a fracture occurs due to osteoporosis.^[1]

Maintaining bone health is a lifelong journey that starts early and will help maintain our agility and prevent osteoporosis as we grow older.

Kak Seto, psychologist and public figure, is a living proof that anyone can maintain their bone health with healthy diet and regular exercise. Now 70 years old, Kak Seto maintains a healthy body and exercises regularly.

dr. Bagus Putu Putra Suryana, SpPD-KR, Chairman of Perosi said: Moderate or heavy-intensity physical exercise for 30-60 minutes, at least 3-5 times a week, can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially in the most porous parts of our bones, such as the wrists, groin, and lower spine.

Seto Mulyadi, Psychologist and Public Figure said  " I am now 70 years old and still exercising regularly, doing planks, push-ups, and somersaults, just like the videos I often post on social media.  I always believe that physical exercise is very important to help maintain bone, joint, and muscle health as I grow older.Exercise has been my long-term commitment, along with a healthy diet. Physical activity has become more of a habit, and now I keep living an active life."

He added "I have been an active and energetic person in my family since childhood. When I was a child, I would play extreme games, climb different trees, or reach my house's rooftop. My parents understood me and looked at the positive side. They told me to spend my energy on healthier, much safer activities, such as jogging, dancing, and martial arts. Today, I usually do moderate-intensity exercise for 30-60 minutes every day, doing aerobics, jogging or fast-waking, lifting weights, and going up and down the stairs."

dr. Bagus Putu Putra Suryana, SpPD-KR, Chairman of Perosi said "Besides exercising, Osteoporosis is preventable with adequate calcium consumption of around 1,000 mg per day (1,200 mg/day for the elders), 600 IU of Vitamin D, and getting enough protein, potassium, collagen, and minerals."

Rhesya Agustine, Marketing Manager Anlene, Fonterra Brands Indonesia shares "Fonterra Brands Indonesia, through its Anlene brand, is a pioneer in osteoporosis prevention efforts, We organize different programs & activities every year, and they have been recognized and supported by the government & health organizations."

Anlene helps adults and elders meet their regular nutritional needs with:

-       Anlene Actifit 3X, containing major nutrients, high calcium for improved bone density, 100mg of collagen per serving + high Vitamin C for collagen formation, maintenance, and joint flexibility, high protein + Vitamin B6 for energy metabolism and tissue formation.

-        Anlene Gold 5X, containing major nutrients, with added potassium, folic acid, and extra vitamin B12 for blood pressure and circulation maintenance and 0.4% oats for blood cholesterol maintenance. It is low in fat, does not contain added sugar, and has been recommended by the Health Ministry as stipulated in the 2014 balanced nutrition guideline

Kak Seto recommends living by the GEMBIRA principle to stay agile in our twilight years. Seto Mulyadi, Psychologist and Public Figure said: I have always lived by the GEMBIRA principle since my teenage year, which stands for Gerak (keep moving), Emosi Cerdas (emotional intelligence), Makan & Minum (eating and drinking healthily), Bersyukur (being grateful), Istirahat (getting enough rest), Rukun (keeping the harmony). Lastly, the Asupan Nutrisi, which stands for healthy diet; Anlene that helps me maintain my bone, joint, and muscle health and strength.

For almost two decades, Anlene along with the Indonesian Health Ministry, Perosi (the Indonesian Osteoporosis Association), and Perwatusi (the Indonesian Healthy Bone Foundation), have been collaborating to prevent osteoporosis through education and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle to mitigate the risk of early bone loss. In 2002, the Health Ministry declared the National Osteoporosis Day (HON), supported by Anlene, Perosi and Perwatusi. In 2008, Anlene launched Gerakan 10.000 Langkah, the first and largest walkathon, to commemorate the National Osteoporosis Day, joined by Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the 6th President of Indonesia, along with more than 10,000 participants. Since 2018, Anlene has run the Ayo Indonesia Bergerak Campaign which consists of offline and online activities encouraging Indonesians to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to combat sedentariness.

Anita A. Hutagalung, Chairperson of Perwatusi said "Perwatusi is an institution that focuses on osteoporosis prevention in Indonesia and strives to innovate amidst the pandemic. We do virtual gymnastics three times a week, encouraging people to keep moving and improving their bone strength and density. We also inspire the younger generation to prevent osteoporosis at an early age. Doing gymnastics properly, regularly, and eating healthy can prevent the risk of osteoporosis and improve bone density for people with osteoporosis."

In commemoration of 2021 World Osteoporosis Day, Anlene, as a bone nutrition expert, commences several virtual classes throughout October, November and December 2021to educate people on the importance of consistency in maintaining bone, joint, and muscle health, and preventing osteoporosis.

 This year, Anlene is collaborating with Kak Seto to make Tiktok videos to inspire people to keep up with his workout routine to maintain bone, joint, and muscle health.