As our thesis, we organized an event dealing with the prevention and self-care of osteoporosis for Maikkulan asukastupa, in collaboration with Oulu University of Applied sciences, Maikkulan asukastupa and Pohjoisen luut lujiksi ry.

The goal of our project was to organize an event on osteoporosis that, in addition to providing information, would encourage participants to take an interest in their individual choices regarding nutrition and exercise. The participants were elderly people, which is why we wanted to design a presentation that was practical, unambiguous and easy to understand. We ended our event with a short exercise session consisting of easy-to-do exercises intended to help with the self-care and prevention of osteoporosis.

During the planning phase we interviewed experts from Pohjoisen luut lujiksi ry and the staff of Maikkulan asukastupa to gain information on the participants and on their wishes concerning the event. Based on the interviews, we set about gathering a knowledge base and creating a frame-work for our project.

Based on the feedback gathered from the participants, we concluded that addressing the subject matter was necessary. Osteoporosis is a disease with severe health implications and maintaining a discussion on the issue helps draw attention to one's own lifestyle choices.

A challenge for the future is to find the tools with which to influence young people in ways that would ensure that the appropriate nutrition and exercise habits become a part of their everyday lives. Strong bones acquired at a young age are the best protection against osteoporosis.