– GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO / ZINKEVYCH – Archivo
MADRID, February 25, 2026 –
For individuals living with arthritis and osteoporosis, the bathroom can be the most hazardous room in the house. A new study reveals that 67% of patients with these conditions identify the shower or bathtub as the most dangerous area due to the risk of falls. The research, conducted by the International Foundation of Patients with Arthritis and Osteoporosis (OAFI), highlights the need for bathroom modifications to improve patient safety and independence.
The report, titled ‘Exploration and validation of bathroom use through patient experience,’ involved 12 people affected by musculoskeletal conditions, primarily women (83%) and those over the age of 70 (67%). Half of the participants reported experiencing slips or near-falls in the bathroom, while 8% had actually fallen.
Participants pinpointed bathtubs, slippery floors, and poorly designed faucets as major obstacles. A lack of grab bars was also frequently cited. The study also found that feeling secure in the bathroom significantly boosted participants’ self-esteem, emotional well-being, and overall independence.
To enhance safety and reduce falls, participants overwhelmingly favored walk-in showers, rating them 9.83 out of 10 for safety. Grab bars in the shower and near the toilet also received the same high score. These findings underscore the importance of accessible bathroom design for maintaining quality of life.
Based on these results, OAFI is advocating for the integration of solutions like walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, and support systems into healthy aging policies, aligning with the goals of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Decade of Healthy Ageing.
10 MILLONES DE PACIENTES EN ESPAÑA
More than 10 million people in Spain live with arthritis and/or osteoporosis, conditions that can significantly impact mobility and independence, causing severe pain and limiting daily activities. These conditions represent a substantial public health concern due to their impact on quality of life and healthcare costs.
According to OAFI, approximately 33% of individuals over 65 experience a fall at home each year. Falls are a leading cause of injury and disability in older adults, with up to 70% of deaths among those over 75 linked to falls, many resulting in fragility fractures.
“Adapting the home, and specifically the bathroom, isn’t about aesthetics; it’s a necessary preventative measure and part of joint care,” emphasized Josep Vergés, founder and president of OAFI. “Our bathrooms shouldn’t continue to be spaces associated with risk.”
This study is part of the ‘OAFI Space’ initiative, a research and development program by the Foundation that analyzes, evaluates, and certifies spaces, products, and services based on their impact on joint health and patient quality of life.
The research also benefited from the collaboration of Renoveduch, a bathroom renovation company, and the participation of other patient associations, including the Valencian Association of Arthritis and Osteoporosis (AVAO), the Rheumatos Foundation, and the Andalusian Association of People Affected by Arthritis (ASAAR).
