While isolation has kept many individuals safe from contracting the novel coronavirus, what happens to those who live alone when they experience an accident?
A new study finds that individuals living alone are at significantly greater risk of death following a hip fracture compared to those living with a partner or family. Researchers from the University of Oslo indicate that the odds of death from a hip fracture are 30% higher for men and 20% higher for women if they live alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over 300,000 people aged 65 and older suffer from hip fractures each year, with the vast majority of these injuries occurring due to falls down stairs.
The study found that while men under the age of 60 are particularly at risk when living alone, older women are also in danger. Researchers believe this is due to lonely individuals experiencing social isolation and being more prone to unhealthy diets, resulting in increased weight. Dr. Cecilie Dahl, the study's author, stated in an interview with the medical journal Bone and Mineral Research: "Hip fractures are associated with increased mortality, and this risk persists for many years after the fracture. In this long-term study, we investigated whether living without a partner is a risk factor for death after a hip fracture compared to living with a partner.”
During the study, researchers collected information on hip fractures from all hospitals in Norway between 2002 and 2013, along with national population and housing census data. They found that 12,770 men and 22,067 women aged between 50 and 79 experienced hip fractures during this time.
The study results showed that men living alone are 37% more likely to die from their injuries, while women are 23% more likely to die. Researchers suspect that feelings of loneliness and social isolation may contribute to this increased risk of death following a hip fracture. Dr. Dahl added: "Having social relationships has been linked to improved immune function and reduced inflammatory processes caused by immune responses over time, which can be beneficial in all aspects of life. Social support may also play an essential role in alleviating stress during illness or after accidents, such as experiencing a hip fracture.”
Additionally, the study indicated that men living alone tend to suffer hip fractures at a younger age than those living with partners. In particular, the mortality rate among men under 60 is higher than that for women, while women living alone are more likely to experience hip fractures at an older age compared to those living with partners.
Nutrition can also play a significant role: Lifestyle choices such as nutrition and alcohol consumption may help explain why individuals living alone face a greater risk of death than others. Co-author Dr. Kristine Holvik from the Norwegian Institute of Public Health stated: "Nutrition might be an important factor as well, since difficulties in preparing meals after a hip fracture can increase the one-year mortality prediction. Additionally, the prevalence of malnutrition among older patients with hip fractures is higher than among elderly individuals living with families. Despite being a diverse group, unmarried Norwegian men tend to consume more alcohol and receive less social support compared to married men."
Furthermore, the study notes that individuals with chronic health conditions are also particularly at risk, as they may need to delay treatment or undergo essential surgery. Researchers concluded that individuals living alone who suffer from hip fractures require additional social support compared to others.
