Osteoporosis and osteoporotic fracture occurrence and prevention in the elderly: a geriatric perspective.

Age is a major determinant of osteoporosis, but the elderly are rarely assessed and often remain untreated for this condition. Falls, co-morbidities and co-medications compound the risk of fracture in senile osteoporosis. The prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to increase with increasing life expectancy, and the associated fractures - particularly hip fractures - will lead to significant demands on health resources.