PREVENTING A BROKEN HIP

Most broken hips result from a fall and happen to people over 65 years old. Broken hips are much more common in women than men. Every one starts to lose bone mass about age 35. When bones lose bone mass they become weak and are more likely to break. To prevent a broken hip, falls must be prevented and bones made stronger.

Falls may be related to physical changes of aging, diseases, medication or environmental hazards. The person with more than one health problem is at a higher risk of falling. Medicines can cause an older person to be weak or dizzy. People who take 4 or more medicines or have started a new medicine within the past 2 weeks are at a higher risk for falling.

People who have good balance and coordination are less likely to fall. Exercise can help prevent broken hips. It helps people maintain their balance and coordination and makes bones and muscles stronger. Bones are less likely to break as a result of a fall if the bones and muscles are healthy and not weak. Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, is one of the best ways to keep bones strong. Adults should get at least 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise most days of the week, preferably daily. Doing less aerobic exercise will minimize your health benefits. Appropriate habits of diet and exercise will help keep the bones strong and help minimize loss of bone mass during the senior years.

Smoking and drinking too much alcohol can cause bone loss. People who do not smoke and limit their intake of alcohol may have stronger bones.

When a diet is deficient in calcium for long periods of time, the bone is significantly depleted of calcium and this causes a serious health condition called osteoporosis, which weakens the bones. Having osteoporosis increases the risk of breaking a bone. Most health experts agree that 1000 to 1500 milligrams of calcium is needed every day. Most Americans consume less than what is recommended. The recommendations for calcium intake include:

Adolescents (9 to18 years) need 1,300 milligrams a day.
Adults should be getting 1,000 milligrams a day and should increase their intake to 1,200 milligrams a day after age 50.
Men over 65 and postmenopausal women not taking estrogen replacement therapy may need 1500 milligrams a day.

Vitamin D helps bone absorb the calcium. A person can get enough vitamin D if they spend enough time in the sun. An older person or others who do not get enough time in the sun may need to take calcium. People with osteoporosis should talk with their healthcare provider about medicines that make bones stronger.

The older person must be aware of any physical problems they may have that could increase their risk of falls, such as poor vision. Changes can be made in the home to make it safer. For example if poor vision is a problem, more lights can be added or brighter light bulbs so that it is easier to see.

Most falls and injuries from falls happen in the home. Staying active and making some changes in the home can help prevent falls. The home needs to be looked at carefully for anything that might cause a fall. Sometimes loose throw rugs can cause a fall. Safety handrails placed on both sides of stairs can help prevent falls.

It may be necessary for some people to wear a hip protector to help prevent a broken hip if there is a fall. However, hip protectors may be hard to wear all the time. A person living alone may have trouble putting on the protector.

Injuries from falls are the main cause of disability and death in people over 65 years old. If there is a person over 65 in the home, they or another responsible adult must make sure that everything possible is being done to prevent an injury. It may be necessary for the older person to go to a falls prevention program.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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