Researchers in Sweden, following 2,205 men over a 35-year period, claim that exercise goes a long way toward reducing the risk of fractures as you age. Their study included men whose physical activity was monitored at age 60, 70, 77, and 82. At the end of follow-up, hip fractures had occurred in 8.4 percent of men with a high level of physical activity, 13.3 percent of men with a medium level of activity, and 20.5 percent of men with a low level of activity. Researchers estimated that one-third of all hip fractures could be prevented by participating in recreational sports activities. The study concluded that an "effective dose" of exercise for reducing the risk of hip fractures could also be attained by heavy gardening or other activities of similar intensity performed for at least three hours a week.
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