Large scale fracture problem in older adults

The release of the number of people over the age of 60 experiencing bone fractures as the result of falls has shed light on the scale of the problem of accidents among older adults.

Research by Age UK has revealed that over 220,000 people of advanced age in Britain fractured a bone last year from a fall.

Of these, 88,000 damaged their hip, over 43,000 hurt their arm and nearly 17,000 fractured their pelvis.

Not only are these injuries painful, they can significantly change a patient's life by hindering mobility. Thus, many older adults are left feeling isolated and are forced to leave their home.

Furthermore, injuries from falls are the leading cause of death for people over the age of 75, indicating that something must be done to reduce the risk facing older adults.

Age UK is stressing that falls are not an inevitable part of growing older and their likelihood can be reduced by as much as 55 per cent through strength and balance exercises.

Michelle Mitchell, charity director general at Age UK, commented: "The impact of a fall can be devastating and the scale of the issue is a real concern, especially as we know that prevention is so much better than cure."

It is also important that older adults take steps to improve their bone health, by ensuring they have a healthy diet, take enough exercise and have a good vitamin D intake.

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