An elderly patient with a history of hip fracture asks how to reduce the risk of a future fracture. Which daily activity is most effective for fracture prevention?

An elderly patient with a history of hip fracture asks how to reduce the risk of a future fracture. Which daily activity is most effective for fracture prevention?

• A. Calcium supplementation
• B. Walk daily
• C. Vitamin D supplementation
• D. Bisphosphonate therapy

Answer: (B)

Regular weight-bearing and balance-enhancing activity is the most effective way to lower fracture risk in older adults. Walking daily provides mechanical load to the bones, helping maintain or modestly increase bone strength, and it also strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances gait. These factors directly reduce the likelihood of falls, which are a leading cause of fractures in the elderly. While calcium, vitamin D, and medications like bisphosphonates support bone health, they don’t address daily fall risk and functional strength as effectively as consistent walking.

Regular weight-bearing and balance-enhancing activity is the most effective way to lower fracture risk in older adults. Walking daily provides mechanical load to the bones, helping maintain or modestly increase bone strength, and it also strengthens muscles, improves balance, and enhances gait. These factors directly reduce the likelihood of falls, which are a leading cause of fractures in the elderly. While calcium, vitamin D, and medications like bisphosphonates support bone health, they don’t address daily fall risk and functional strength as effectively as consistent walking.