Why do old people break bones more easily?
As we age, our vision weakens and the ability to balance becomes difficult. This can make seniors more prone to tumbles. When combined with decreased bone density, these minor trips and falls put the elderly at greater risk of fractures.
Why does fracture risk increase with age?
Bone loss and structural damage lead to bone fragility. This increase in skeletal fragility, along with a rise in fall risk, results in an increased susceptibility to fractures with aging, known as fragility fractures.
How many people over 50 break a bone?
In the United States, about half of all women over 50 and one fourth of all men over 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis. Your likelihood of a fragility fracture increases if you have rheumatoid arthritis, take certain steroids, weigh less than 120 pounds, smoke cigarettes or consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day.
Why are older people more prone to hip fractures?
Older people have thinner bones than younger people, so their bones break more easily. Studies show that the rate of hip fractures in older adults increases with alcohol use. Adults of all ages who drink and drive are at higher risk of traffic accidents and related problems than those who do not drink.
Why are broken bones a big deal in adulthood?
Why broken bones are a big deal in adulthood. When you were a kid, or even in your 20s, it probably took a big fall for you to break a bone. But in mid-life, your bones start to lose density, and fractures become more likely. Especially in those over 50, broken bones not only take longer to heal, but they can also signal bigger issues.
What happens to an older person with osteoporosis?
If the bone breaks, it’s a major hint that an older person has osteoporosis. Broken bones can lead to serious problems for seniors. The hip is a common site for osteoporosis, and hip fractures can lead to a downward spiral of disability and loss of independence.