Osteoporosis New Zealand is set to benefit from leading aged care and retirement village operator Ryman Healthcare’s 2011-2012 annual fundraising campaign.

Previous campaigns by Ryman Healthcare have been very successful, with last year’s fundraising efforts from their 23 retirement villages raising $180,000 for the New Zealand Hearing Association.

Hoping to increase that figure for Osteoporosis New Zealand, communities are strongly encouraged to support the wonderful local fundraising events organised by Ryman’s retirement villages throughout the country.

Executive Director of Osteoporosis New Zealand Julia Gallagher says “Ryman’s support will give us the opportunity to develop and launch our Better Bone Check awareness project, aimed at making bone health a priority for everyone.”

“We share a deep concern for the health and wellbeing of older New Zealanders and work hard to ensure everyone is active and involved in their community.”

“We’re delighted to have Osteoporosis New Zealand as our charity partner for the next year” said Ryman’s Managing Director Simon Challies. “Osteoporosis is an issue that is a constant in the lives of many of our residents, and residents and staff are thrilled that we’re supporting such a worthy organisation.”

Osteoporosis is a major New Zealand health issue and it affects more than half of women and nearly a third of men over the age of 60 years. During which, sufferers experience a reduction in bone density and quality, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, hip, pelvis and upper arm.