Senior Falls and Fractures:
Are Women More Vulnerable?

Here in our village of Ajijic,in Mexico, falls and fractures are quite common: cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks and tourists craning their necks are a recipe for disaster. One misstep off a curb and toodle-doo, off to the hospital we go. Add to that an abundance of senior residents and the chances of fractures go way up.. But are women more vulnerable?

The dangers of falls and fractures are not just to women over 60. It can happen to men as well, especially if seniors let their body deteriorate through overeating and lack of exercise.

Women become more vulnerable to fractures with age, after menopause, because we lose bone density, balance, and flexibility. When we take a misstep and start to fall, it’s hard to catch ourselves, stop the fall, or come out of it intact. Part of that is true because of weak muscles, but also our bones break more easily than before.

Falls and Fractures

Did you know one of the most serious fall injuries is a broken hip? It is hard to recover from a hip fracture, and afterward, many people are not able to live on their own. As the population gets older, the number of hip fractures is likely to go up. In the U.S. alone:

• Each year at least 250,000 older people—those 65 and older—are hospitalized for hip fractures.
• More than 95 percent of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.
• Women experience 75 percent of all hip fractures.
• Women fall more often than men.
• Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.

Exercise For Your Bone Health

We’re not alone when we recommend weight-bearing exercise to prevent osteoporosis. No matter what other activities you do―sports, swimming, dancing, yoga―you should include some strength training with free weights or body resistance. You’ll be glad you did the next time you start to slip and fall.

Fifteen years ago, I had a bone density scan that indicated osteopenia, the precursor to osteoporosis. This year, my scan was in the normal range. I attribute the improvement to my strength-training regimen.

And it’s not too late for you. No matter what your age, or gender, you can fight against loss of bone density and muscle wasting. You can take an active stance and lower the risk of fractures by exercising.