The population of older men and women has been increasing, and therefore the number of people with osteoporosis is increasing. But in some countries, the rate of hip fractures is rising faster than the population. For example, in Malmo, Sweden the number of people older than 50 doubled since 1950, but the number of hip fractures increased seven-fold. The reasons for this secular trend in increased hip fractures are not known, but decreased physical activity may be …showed first 75 words of 473 total…

…showed last 75 words of 473 total…US persons older than 65 is 8/1000 in women and 4.3/1000 in men. Men have a shorter life span than women, so they account for only 21% of all hip fractures. Vertebral fracture prevalence in men is close to that in women. The European study showed a higher incidence in the younger men, raising the possibility that some of the fractures were not related to osteoporosis, but to trauma sustained during their working life. Bibliography World Book Encyclopedia 1998 Edition