Aging bones: Osteoporosis and injurious falls in the oldest women

Author: Heffernan Jennifer   Messinger-Rapport Barbara  

Publisher: Humana Press, Inc

ISSN: 1534-8644

Source: Clinical Review in Bone and Mineral Metabolism, Vol.3, Iss.2, 2005-06, pp. : 157-173

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Abstract

The risk of injurious falls increases with age. In women younger than 75 yr, much of the attention toward reducing the risk of injurious falls is appropriately directed at identifying and treating osteoporosis. In the oldest women, however, particularly those over 75 to 80 yr of age, strategies must be multifaceted. The prevalence of medical conditions and geriatric syndromes increases with age. Effective interventions to reduce the risk of injurious falls include optimizing medical conditions, assessing geriatric syndromes, addressing pain, improving balance, and reducing polypharmacy. In this article we offer an evidence-based approach to identifying and treating fall risks in the oldest women.