You Deserve a Medal

In 2002 Osteoporosis New Zealand held the inaugural 'You Deserve a Medal' Awards – which are now an annual event and an integral part of Osteoporosis Awareness Week, held in October each year.

Osteoporosis New Zealand invites you to nominate active older New Zealanders for this award. All people over the age of 65 years are eligible to enter.

Our aim is to encourage older people to stay physically active for their bone health and general wellbeing - 'You Deserve a Medal' applauds ordinary New Zealanders in their senior years who lead active and productive lives and inspire members of their community, regardless of their age – people who inspire others by their example.

Being physically active not only improves your sense of well-being, but also helps prevent falls - the number one cause of injuries in older people, by improving balance and muscle strength. Regular exercise also slows bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis – a disease that affects over half of New Zealand women and one third of New Zealand men over the age of 60.