65% of falls in our homes occur in the bathroom.

• A study by the International Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis Foundation (OAFI), which analyses the experience of patients with both conditions, reveals that 70% identify the shower/bath as the most unsafe place in the home in terms of falls.
• In Spain, there are 300,000 fragility fractures per year, one every two minutes.
• Replacing bathtubs with walk-in showers improves safety, independence, and emotional well-being.

Barcelona, 25 February 2026 – A study promoted by the International Foundation for Patients with Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis (OAFI) confirms that adapting bathrooms, especially by replacing bathtubs with walk-in showers, significantly increases the safety, independence and emotional well-being of older people with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis by preventing falls.

The report, entitled ‘Exploration and validation of bathroom use through patient experience’, was carried out with the participation of 12 patients who are experts in osteoarticular pathologies, mostly women (83%) and people over 70 years of age (67%). Fifty per cent of the participants had experienced slips or scares in the bathroom, and 8% had experienced actual falls.

The results are conclusive: 70% identify the shower or bathtub as the most unsafe place in the home in terms of falls. Among the main barriers detected are the presence of bathtubs, slippery floors, lack of grab bars and poorly designed taps.

Among the most highly rated solutions were the installation of walk-in showers, which scored 9.83 out of 10 for safety, and grab bars, considered the most effective element for preventing falls (9.83 out of 10). In addition, participants noted that feeling safe in the bathroom improves their self-esteem, emotional well-being and independence in daily life.

The study

The study, which has the collaboration of Renoveduch, It was developed using the nominal group technique, a participatory scientific method that combines qualitative and quantitative analysis, with the participation of other patient associations such as the Valencian Association of Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis (AVAO), the Rheumatos Foundation and the Andalusian Association of People Affected by Osteoarthritis (ASAAR).

Osteoarthritis and osteoporosis are increasingly common diseases that mainly affect women. More than 10 million people already live with these conditions in Spain, with a direct impact on mobility and independence: 60% experience severe pain and 91% find their daily lives restricted. However, the home continues to be an environment that is poorly adapted to these realities: a bathtub, a rug, a door knob or poor lighting can all become risk factors.

According to the data, approximately 33% of people over the age of 65 suffer a fall at home each year, and up to 70% of deaths in people over the age of 75 are related to falls, many of them with serious consequences such as fragility fractures.

A preventive health measure

Dr. Josep Vergés, founder and president of OAFI, emphasises: ‘Adapting the home, and specifically the bathroom, is not a matter of aesthetics, but a necessary measure for prevention and joint care. Our bathrooms cannot continue to be spaces associated with risk.’

For his part, Daniel Morata, Renoveduch’s managing director adds: “Adapting the bathroom is not just a matter of aesthetics, but a preventive health measure that reduces risks and protects independence. At Renoveduch, we replace bathtubs with showers in 24 hours, using non-slip trays and finishes, support systems that minimise the risk of falls, and proper lighting that makes everyday life easier. Collaborations with organisations such as OAFI allow us to bring these safe and affordable solutions to more homes.”

The report concludes that integrating solutions such as flush showers, non-slip flooring and support systems should be part of healthy ageing policies, in line with the objectives of the World Health Organisation’s Decade of Healthy Ageing.

This study is part of the initiative OAFI Space, an R&D programme run by the Foundation that analyses, evaluates and certifies spaces, products and services according to their impact on joint health and patients’ quality of life.

About OAFI

Osteoarthritis Foundation International(OAFI) is the first and only non-profit foundation in the world dedicated exclusively to people suffering from osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and other osteoarticular diseases. Founded in 2016 and based in Barcelona, OAFI leads the global fight for joint health, promoting education, prevention, research and patient support programmes. Its mission is to improve the quality of life of those living with these conditions by promoting early detection, self-care and patient empowerment. Through international conferences, awareness campaigns, scientific projects and collaborations, OAFI works to place joint health at the centre of the health and social agenda.

About Renoveduch

Renoveduch is a company specialising in bathroom conversions, replacing bathtubs with showers in 24 hours, offering accessible, safe solutions tailored to each person’s needs. With extensive experience in the sector, the company is committed to improving quality of life, especially for elderly people or those with reduced mobility, reducing risks in the home and promoting independence.

Renoveduch works with high-quality materials, anti-slip systems and optimised processes that minimise disruption and ensure quick, clean and efficient installation. Its commitment to safety, accessibility and well-being reinforces its collaboration with entities and organisations that promote prevention and healthcare.

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