Hip Protection

Each year in the United States over 350,000 people, mostly senior women, suffer painful and debilitating hip fractures. All too often, fractures trigger a downward spiral characterized by hospitalization, depression, declining health and reduced quality of life. Seniors in long-term care institutions are particularly vulnerable to sustaining hip fractures. This represents one of the most difficult problems facing caregivers.

In the case of many seniors, death is the ultimate result of this injury. Published studies estimate that up to 50% of older women who experience a hip fracture do not survive the first year after the fracture, and another 20% do not regain the ability to walk unassisted.

Accidental falls are a leading cause of hospitalization for seniors. Among women aged 65-74, hip fractures are the largest single type of injury resulting from these falls, representing 35% of related hospitalizations. For those aged 85 and older, the hospitalization rate increases to 58%.

Hip fractures are a public health problem that will only worsen given the demographic trends. Seniors, currently 12% of the Canadian population, will make up over 25% by the year 2036. This large population segment is prone to fear of falling which can restrict daily activities and lead to social isolation. While roughly 15% of hip fractures may be spontaneous, most are impact related. Accidental falls are inevitable, but wearing HipGuard™ can reduce the number of resulting fractures.