Osteoporosis: the hidden danger to our bones
Osteoporosis is a rheumatic bone disease that affects hundreds of thousands of people in Switzerland – in many cases without them even knowing it. The condition progresses unnoticed, and is often only detected when someone breaks a bone. With your community coins from SWICA Benevita, you can support the Rheumaliga Schweiz (Swiss Rheumatic League) with early detection and support for sufferers, helping them to enjoy greater stability and security. Together, we can strengthen bones.
Osteoporosis: a common and underestimated condition
Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in Switzerland and is often detected late. Stable bones are crucial for mobility, security and independence, particularly in older age.
There are more than 600,000 women in Switzerland who would benefit from osteoporosis treatment but who are not receiving it. The consequences are serious and include falls, fractures, pain, loss of independence and significant social costs. That is why the Rheumaliga is on a mission to raise awareness about osteoporosis.
This disease, which makes bones porous and unstable, does not only affect older people. In particular, the risk increases sharply for women around the menopause. Early prevention through exercise, nutrition and medical investigation is crucial, as is proper follow-up after diagnosis.
What your community coins are doing
Your community coins enable the Rheumaliga Schweiz to provide targeted support, advice and day-to-day help to people who have or are at increased risk of developing osteoporosis. For example:
- Early detection: The Rheumaliga is developing a digital osteoporosis risk check (to be rolled out from summer 2026) that gives people an initial assessment of their bone health.
- Education about the condition: In summer 2026, the Rheumaliga is bringing out a new pamphlet on osteoporosis and a podcast episode on the topic of menopause.
- Promoting movement for bone strength: Osteogym courses around the country and online exercise videos help patients to strengthen their bones in a targeted manner. Strength training and balance in particular are central to the prevention of fractures.
- Advice on improving day-to-day quality of life: Specialists from the Rheumaliga offer telephone or face-to-face advice on topics such as calcium supplements, exercise and adjusting to a diagnosis, bringing together medicine, psychology, physiotherapy and nutrition.
About the Rheumaliga Schweiz
The Rheumaliga Schweiz is the national specialist centre for rheumatic diseases, a category which includes osteoporosis. It fills gaps in care with education, exercise and advice for patients and specialists.
It is the umbrella organisation of 17 cantonal and six national patients’ organisations. This charitable organisation has devoted decades to improving the quality of life of people with rheumatic conditions.
These are some 200 different diseases of the musculoskeletal system, i.e. affecting the muscles, tendons, joints, bones or connective tissue. Sufferers often experience severe pain and restricted movement – and even organs can be affected. About two million people live with rheumatic conditions in Switzerland. They include children and adolescents: one in 1000 children suffers from a rheumatic disease.
You can find more information at rheumaliga.ch.
Facts about osteoporosis
Past successful projects
These donation projects have already been supported with the help of your community coins.
SWICA and Sports Aid Switzerland: partnering for passion in sports
Regular exercise is a key foundation of a healthy life, which is why SWICA has long been dedicated to encouraging an active lifestyle. And when the joy of movement grows into real ambitions, Swiss Sports Aid is there to provide support. The partnership with Benevita reaches the peak of perfection when aspiring athletes inspire others to get active as well.
