A study by the Institute for Aging Research of Hebrew SeniorLife reports that seniors who eat plenty of protein are less prone to fracture their hips.
Dr. Marian Hannan, author of the study,says that higher protein not only makes for better bone mineral density, but it also builds stronger leg muscles. Both would contribute to a decrease in falls and in fractures.
Dr. Hannan suggests that older women should take in at least 46 grams of protein every day. She says that older men should eat at least 56 grams a day.
"More than 25 million Americans over the age of 50 have either osteoporosis, a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break, or osteopenia, a condition in which bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be considered osteoporosis. More than 95 percent of hip fractures in people over the age of 65 are caused by falls and can lead to severe health problems, including decreased quality of life and premature death."
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