Hip Fractures Are Deadly for Seniors

Research found hip fractures elevate the risk of death among seniors, with one in three adults 50 and older dying within a year of a hip fracture, reports The Science Times . Older adults are at a fivefold to eightfold higher risk of death within the first three months of a hip fracture, versus seniors without a fracture. This greater risk persists for nearly a decade. Occurrence of hip fractures is more probable in those 65 or older, and although they result from a fall or when the hip hits a solid object, in some cases the injury occurs with little trauma, such as when standing up. Dementia is one of the most frequent factors that increase falling risk, while poor vision, frailty, trip hazards in the home, and combined medications also can increase the likelihood of falls. Persons with existing health conditions are at an even greater risk of death following hip fracture, and additional complications of the injury — such as internal bleeding, infections, stroke, or heart failure — can contribute as well. Individuals should undergo functional training and therapeutic rehabilitation for the best chance of regaining mobility following hip fracture, even if they opt to not have surgery.