The majority of hip fractures and the most burdensome of all osteoporotic fractures occur within the elder segment of our population. In fact, the longer a person lives the more likely she/he is to experience one or more osteoporotic fractures. Reduction of geriatric fracture would provide for a higher quality of life and substantially reduce the health-care costs of aging.

In this lecture, Dr. Susan Brown first provides an overview of the current scientific literature documenting the special nutrient and lifestyle needs of the elderly. She then details how meeting these special needs can substantially reduce the incidence of fracture amongst the elderly.

For example, the recurrence of vertebral fractures can be more than halved and the incidence of hip fractures can be decreased by over 40% by simply administering appropriate nutritional supplementation. Additionally, muscle mass can be increased 90% or more, even among 90-year olds, with simple strength-building exercises. Balance can be improved and falls reduced with vitamin D therapy. Also the gentle movement and breathing exercise found in yoga, tai chi, and qi gong reduce fracture risk through many mechanisms. Further, simple lifestyle modifications and attention to the special nutrient needs of the elderly can significantly reduce the incidence of falling, and thus further enhance well being and reduce fracture risk.