An article in the Annals of Internal Medicine on March 16, 2010 reported that ‘older adults have a 5 to 8 fold increased risk for all-cause mortality during the first three months after hip fracture. Excess annual mortality persists over time for both men and women, but at any given age, excess annual mortality after hip fracture is greater in men than women’.
There are a number of things that elderly adults can do to help prevent hip fracture. Staying active promotes good bone health. A bone density test can determine if you have osteoporosis. Discuss with your personal physician whether calcium or vitamin D might help you. Have your vision checked once a year, as cataracts and other eye problems can increase your chance of falling. Have your physician review your medications to see if anything you are taking can cause dizziness. Don’t smoke or drink and, finally, do a safety check of your home. Make sure there are no loose objects on the floor and that rugs are securely fastened to the floor.