Figuring your fracture risk
More than 6.8 million Americans will have to contend with a fractured or broken bone this year. And a surprising number of those folks are younger than you might expect (unless it's happened to you).
A new study based on information on around half a million folks reveals that, these days, women's risk of a fracture increases from ages 35 to 65. Men have a higher risk of fractures than women before age 45, but after that, their risk declines.
Falls cause 70% of fractures experienced by women, most often to their wrist, arm or ankle. And women experience a significant increase in major osteoporotic fractures (from brittle bones) starting at age 45. Among men ages 35 to 65, far fewer wrist fractures are caused by falls -- theirs are often related to sports or work-related trauma.
What's fueling the increased risk of weakened bones, falling at ever-younger ages, and easy fractures from minor accidents? It appears that women, especially, are experiencing more osteopenia (bone weakness) and osteoporosis at an earlier age these days, possibly from a combination of hormonal shifts, too much unprocessed food, and failing to do resistance exercises or jumping on a hard surface (one of my favorites). And, overall, both men's and women's fracture risk is increased by an all-too-common menu of poor lifestyle choices. They're a super-charged formula for poor balance and brittle bones.
To protect your bones -- and body -- from breaks and breaking down, explore the AI coaching program at 4YOUngevity.com and my book, "The Great Age Reboot."
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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