Breaking a bone isn’t something you worry about regularly – that’s kid’s stuff. Falling off the jungle gym or mis-stepping on the trampoline aren’t concerns of yours. But while you may not be as adventurous as that child, you may be just as likely to break a bone.
That’s because as we age, our bones tend to weaken, increasing risk of fractures. Women over 50 and men over 65 are more prone to broken bones from a disease called osteoporosis, which makes bones more porous, and consequently, more brittle.
Osteoporosis causes over 80 percent of all broken bones in people over the age of 50. In fact, one in three hip fracture patients re-fracture within the year and one in two will suffer another fracture within 5 years. What’s more, bone breaks or fractures at an older age can actually be deadly. More than a quarter of women and a third of men who suffer a hip fracture will die within the following year.
It’s hard to overstate just how fragile a person with osteoporosis can be. Bumping into something, bending over to pick up the groceries or even sneezing too hard can result in a fracture. Broken bones from osteoporosis tend to be in the hip, spine and wrist, but can also be in other parts of your body. And as you already know, these breaks can be life threatening.
Are you at risk of a fracture? Take this quiz to learn more.
If you are over the age of 50 and said yes to any of the above questions, you may be at risk of osteoporotic fracture. Consult your doctor about having a 10-year fracture risk assessment, to determine your risk and whether treatment may be required. Click here to learn more about the risks of osteoporosis.