Consultant geriatrician, Dr Asangaedem Akpan, has said hip fracture kills 30 per cent of older adults after a year.

Delivering a paper, titled: “Care of the Elderly: Living Well, Aging Well and Tackling Premature Mortality”, at the 44th yearly scientific conference of National Orthopaedic Hospital (NOH) Igbobi, Lagos, yesterday, he observed that hip fractures are common among older adults, resulting from a fall.

The geriatrician said they are serious injuries, requiring surgery and rehabilitation, adding that even after successful treatment, many older adults experience long-term complications like mobility challenges and pains.

“Hip fracture is one of the most severe injuries. So, why people can fracture their wrists, shoulders and ribs, it is the rip fracture that has been most associated with severe consequences for an older person, including death. So, a year after sustaining a hip fracture, 30 per cent of older people would be dead, and majority unable to perform well.”

Similarly, another speaker and geriatrician, Dr Toyin Akande-Ajala, explained: “People, who exercise regularly for a minimum of 30 minutes, three times a week, are less likely to develop certain conditions like diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and dementia. They are even more likely to have money because they tend to be stronger and have more vitality. So, exercise is key. If you want to age well today, start exercising.

“Exercise has proven to help people age well and also to live longer. I am not talking about marathon, but something like walking.”

In his contribution, Medical Director of National Orthopedic Hospital Igbobi, Lagos, Dr Mustapha Alimi, urged Nigerians to prepare for old age.