India’s elderly population is projected to nearly double to 230 million by 2036, accounting for 15% of the country’s population. As the population ages, doctors are raising concerns about a growing number of bone fractures among seniors, many caused by simple falls at home.
India currently has around 149 million senior citizens, or 10.5% of the population, according to the UNFPA India Ageing Report. Older women outnumber men, and hormonal changes after menopause further increase women’s risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Simple Falls Can Cause Serious Injuries
A study published in the International Journal of Health Sciences and Research analysed 200 hip fracture cases and found that nearly half involved people aged 60–75. Moreover, 89% of patients above 60 suffered fractures following low-energy falls, while 77% showed osteoporotic bone changes.
Doctors are therefore urging greater focus on prevention. Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bhalla, a joint-preserving surgeon at JMC Hospital, New Delhi, said elderly patients can suffer serious fractures from everyday incidents such as slipping in the bathroom or bending down.
“People assume it takes a bad accident to break a bone. In the elderly, it often just takes gravity,” he said.
Prevention and Early Screening Are Key
Dr. Bhalla recommends physiotherapy, strengthening and addressing underlying bone weakness before considering surgery. He also highlighted obesity, diabetes and vitamin D deficiency as factors that can weaken bones and slow recovery after fractures.
As per the press release, doctors are calling for routine bone health screening after 50, better nutrition and safer home environments to reduce fall-related injuries. Without early intervention, fractures could become a significant public health burden as India’s elderly population continues to grow.