Aging functional changes increase what fracture risk?

Aging functional changes increase what fracture risk?

• A. Decreased risk for fractures
• B. No change in fracture risk
• C. Increased risk for fractures
• D. Fracture risk fluctuates

Answer: (C)

Aging brings changes in bones and muscles that raise fracture risk. Bones tend to lose density and become more fragile, so weaker bones break more easily with minor trauma. At the same time, muscles lose mass and strength, balance and reflexes slow, and vision or gait changes can lead to more falls. Since most fractures in older adults occur after a fall, these interconnected changes dramatically increase the likelihood of sustaining a fracture.

Aging brings changes in bones and muscles that raise fracture risk. Bones tend to lose density and become more fragile, so weaker bones break more easily with minor trauma. At the same time, muscles lose mass and strength, balance and reflexes slow, and vision or gait changes can lead to more falls. Since most fractures in older adults occur after a fall, these interconnected changes dramatically increase the likelihood of sustaining a fracture.