You can break your hip at any age, but 90 percent of hip fractures occur in people older than 65. As you age, your bones become less dense as they slowly lose minerals. Gradual loss of density weakens bones and makes them more susceptible to a fracture. More than 250,000 Americans experience a hip fracture every year.
Doctors expect that number to grow as the U.S. population ages.
If you're a woman, you're two to three times as likely to experience a hip fracture as a man. That's because women lose bone density at a greater rate than men do. A hip fracture is a serious injury, particularly if you're older, and complications can be life-threatening. Fortunately, surgery to repair a hip fracture is usually very effective, although recovery often requires time and patience. Generally, the better your health and mobility, the better your chances for a complete recovery.