Which factor increases the risk of fracture in an elderly fall?

Which factor increases the risk of fracture in an elderly fall?

• A. Osteoporosis
• B. Age over 40
• C. Daily activity
• D. Balanced diet

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that bone strength determines whether a fall causes a fracture. Osteoporosis weakens bones by reducing bone mineral density and altering their microarchitecture, so even a low-energy fall can break them. In the elderly, this fragility makes fractures much more likely, especially in common sites like the hip, spine, and wrist. The other options don’t fit as risk-increasing factors here. Simply being older than 40 isn’t specific enough to predict fracture risk after a fall, and maintaining daily activity or a balanced diet helps protect bone health and reduce fracture risk rather than increase it.

The key idea is that bone strength determines whether a fall causes a fracture. Osteoporosis weakens bones by reducing bone mineral density and altering their microarchitecture, so even a low-energy fall can break them. In the elderly, this fragility makes fractures much more likely, especially in common sites like the hip, spine, and wrist.

The other options don’t fit as risk-increasing factors here. Simply being older than 40 isn’t specific enough to predict fracture risk after a fall, and maintaining daily activity or a balanced diet helps protect bone health and reduce fracture risk rather than increase it.