Age, ethnicity and environment impact on risk of falls in elderly men

Falls and fall prevention are an important concern for the elderly and people with osteoporosis, a common chronic disease which causes fragile and weak bones. People with osteoporosis are at increased risk of fracture, even after a minor fall from standing height.

A study recently presented at the World Congress on Osteoporosis 2010 (IOF WCO-ECCEO10) suggests that among elderly men the risk of falling, and thereby breaking a bone, is influenced by age. Most significantly, it also suggests that ethnicity and environment play a role in the risk of falling.