Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Latest Updates
-
Durga Visarjan 2026: October 20 or 21? Know Shubh Muhurat, Rituals And Significance -
Happy Dussehra 2026: 50+ Wishes, Messages And Greetings To Share With Family And Friends -
Dussehra 2026: Astrologer Ashutosh Clairvoyant On Colours, Offerings And Puja Rituals For Each Zodiac Sign -
Hustle Culture Has a Bedroom Problem No One Talks About, Expert Explains -
Iris Young Minds Initiative: How A Noida CSR Programme Is Opening Up Talk On Student Stress -
Lal Hit Janta Party Explained: Who Is Behind The Rival to the Cockroach Janta Party -
Barbara Palvin In Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show Six Weeks After Birth -
Maha Navami Significance: Why The Ninth Day Of Navratri Matters Most -
Festive FOMO Is Changing Dating Habits, Survey Finds Nearly Half Of Singles Are Delaying Matches -
Tiger Shroff Firing Incident: What Happened In Mumbai's Juhu? Latest Updates
World Osteoporosis Day 2026: A Minor Fall, A Major Fracture — Doctor On Why Older Adults Should Be Careful
World Osteoporosis Day, observed every year on October 20, highlights the importance of bone health and the need to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures. The condition often develops without noticeable symptoms, leaving many people unaware that their bones have become fragile until a fracture occurs. For older adults, even a seemingly minor fall at home can have serious consequences, affecting mobility, independence and quality of life.
World Osteoporosis Day 2026 campaign, centred on "Build, Protect, Strengthen Your Bones for Life," emphasises the importance of maintaining bone health throughout life. It also offers an opportunity to look beyond osteoporosis itself and recognise the everyday risks that can lead to fractures, including falls, poor balance and unsafe home environments.
Dr. Ashwin Kumar Reddy, Senior Consultant - Orthopaedics, Gleneagles AWARE Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad, explains why older adults should never dismiss a fall as a normal part of ageing and shares practical ways to protect bone health and reduce the risk of fractures.
A Minor Fall Can Have Serious Consequences
Dr. Ashwin Kumar Reddy recalls, "Last week, an elderly lady came to my OPD with her son. She had slipped in her bathroom. She did not fall from a height. She did not have a road accident. She just slipped, landed on her hip, and could not get up.
Her X-ray showed a hip fracture. She was shocked. Her son was shocked. 'Doctor, it was such a small fall, how did the bone break?'
I hear this almost every week. For many older adults, a fall is not just a fall. When bones are weak because of osteoporosis, even a fall from standing height, a slip on a wet floor, a missed step, can break a hip, spine, or wrist. We call these fragility fractures.
And these fractures are not minor. A hip fracture can mean surgery, months of rehab, loss of independence, and for many elderly patients, a long struggle to get back to normal life. A spine fracture can cause severe back pain and make it difficult to stand straight. A wrist fracture can make simple daily tasks like eating, bathing, and buttoning a shirt difficult for weeks.
The problem is, we often dismiss falls as a normal part of ageing. 'Old age, it happens.' It should not be dismissed. A fall is a warning sign. It is telling us two things: either the bones are weak, or the balance is poor, or both. And both can be improved."
1. Take Care Of The Bones
Dr. Reddy explains, "Bone health is the foundation. If your bones are strong, a fall may cause a bruise. If they are weak, the same fall causes a fracture.
You need enough calcium and vitamin D, but as I always tell my patients, a tablet alone is not enough. You need a balanced diet with enough protein. Milk, curd, paneer, ragi, green leafy vegetables, sesame seeds, all of these help.
You need movement. Walking, light resistance exercises, and balance exercises keep both bones and muscles strong. Strong muscles protect you when you stumble.
And if you have osteoporosis, get it treated. Screening is simple. A bone density test takes a few minutes. If treatment is needed, starting it early can reduce your fracture risk significantly. Do not wait for the second fracture to take it seriously."
2. Make Your Home And Routine Fall-Proof
"Most falls in older adults happen at home, not on the road. And most of them are preventable.
Look around the house. Remove loose rugs and mats that can slip. Keep the pathways clear, especially at night. Improve lighting in corridors, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Many falls happen when someone gets up to go to the washroom at night in the dark.
In the bathroom, install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower area. Use anti-slip mats. Keep the floor dry.
Wear supportive footwear. Loose slippers and chappals with worn-out soles are a common cause of falls. Avoid walking in socks on smooth floors," Dr. Reddy points out.
3. Check The Other Reasons For Falling
Dr. Reddy says, "Falls are rarely due to one reason.
Get your eyes checked regularly. Poor vision, cataracts, or wrong spectacle power can make you miss a step or misjudge distance.
Ask your doctor to review your medicines. Some BP medicines, sleeping pills, and pain medicines can cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially in the morning.
And do balance training. Simple exercises, yoga, or physiotherapy-guided balance work can make a huge difference. Many of my patients tell me they feel more confident walking after just a few weeks of practice."
4. Do Not Ignore A Fall
"If you or your parent has fallen once, even if there is no fracture, do not ignore it. Get evaluated. Tell your doctor about it. Ask: 'Is my bone strength okay? Is my balance okay? Are my medicines making me dizzy?'
A fall is not just bad luck. It is often your body telling you something needs attention.
We cannot stop ageing, but we can prevent most of these fractures. With stronger bones, a safer home, and better balance, older adults can stay active, independent, and confident.
If you have fallen recently, or if you feel unsteady while walking, please do not wait. Get checked early. It is much easier to prevent a fracture than to treat one," Dr. Reddy concludes.
World Osteoporosis Day 2026: Protecting Bone Health And Preventing Falls At Every Age
World Osteoporosis Day 2026 reinforces the importance of building, protecting and strengthening bones throughout life.
As Dr. Ashwin Kumar Reddy explains, preventing fractures involves more than treating osteoporosis; it also means recognising fall risks, making everyday environments safer and seeking medical advice when something feels wrong.
A minor fall should never be dismissed simply as a consequence of ageing, because early assessment and timely care can help older adults protect their mobility, independence and quality of life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Continue with Google
