New Study: Older Black Women are More Likely to Die Following a Hip Fracture

A new study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that a significant demographic of older Black women experienced higher mortality than their peers within six months of a hip fracture. Specifically, Black women between the ages of 65 and 74 years who suffered a broken hip died at a higher rate (14.9%) than white women the same age (8.9%). While this finding did not play out for all age groups, this disparity in mortality is extremely troubling – especially when hip fractures are often preventable. 

Hip fractures are commonly caused by slips, trips, or falls, but with access to physical therapy services, older Americans can build the strength and balance needed to avoid these debilitating – or even deadly – accidents. In fact, older adults who utilize physical therapy are 50% less likely to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized. This underscores the need for long-term reform that helps Medicare beneficiaries access the care they need to prevent falls. 

Moving forward, Congress must act to pass solutions that will help older Americans stay safely on their feet. If passed, the bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 7618) would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive a no-cost falls risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as part of their annual wellness benefit. APTQI urges lawmakers to do the right thing and pass this vital legislation before the end of the year. 

To read more about the study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, CLICK HERE and HERE.

To ask Congress to take action on the SAFE Act, CLICK HERE.