How to Prevent Hip Fractures Among Older Adults

Posted: 11/28/2016 3:36 PM by Interim HealthCare
Hip fractures are extremely common among adults over the age of 60. In fact, nine out of 10 people over the age of 60 experience this type of injury. Hip fractures also double every five years after the adult has reached that age.

The biggest reason older adults have hip injuries is because of their lack of coordination and balance as they get older, causing them to fall much easier and more frequently. An elder care provider can be hired to ensure your loved one remains safe in his or her home. However, there are also other ways to prevent a hip fracture from happening to your aging parent.
 
Hip Fracture Prevention Tips
 
  • Exercise more. Exercising is a great way to build muscle and improve balance. Walking and other weight-bearing exercises can be done to maintain bone density and improve the elder's overall strength.
  • Get plenty of vitamin D and calcium. Both of these nutrients are known for their ability to help older adults maintain their bone density and improve muscle mass. The individual should consume about 1,200 milligrams of calcium a day and 600 international units of vitamin D a day. If he or she is not getting enough of these nutrients from their food, it can also be found in supplements.
  • Limit drinking and avoid smoking. It is no secret that excessive drinking and the use of tobacco products are bad for your health, but did you also know that they can reduce an elder's bone density? Too much alcohol can also cause the elder to lose their balance, increasing their chances of falling.
  •  Safety-proof the home. Another reason your loved one could be falling frequently is because their home is filled with too much clutter. If there are any loose throw rugs, electrical cords, or other items they could trip on, these items should be removed. Also, move any furniture that could be a tripping hazard for the elder.
  • Have regular eye exams. If the elder is unable to see where they are going, they are at a higher risk of fall-related injuries. Encourage your loved one to get yearly eye exams as a way to make sure their vision will not affect their ability to walk.
  • Check their medications. The side effects of certain medications include dizziness and other things that could impact an older person's ability to walk. If you notice that your loved one is running into more things than usual, it could be because of their medication. Talk to their doctor or pharmacist to find out if that is the problem.
More information about preventing falls.