Osteoporosis Treatment Benefits for Individuals Over 80 Years Old

Recent research presented at ENDO 2025, the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in San Francisco, highlights the importance of considering osteoporosis treatment for individuals over the age of 80 following a fracture. As the global population ages, the burden of osteoporosis-related complications such as fractures, disability, and mortality continues to rise, underscoring the need for targeted intervention in this vulnerable age group.

Gianina Flocco, M.D., a resident at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasized that initiating osteoporosis therapy after a fracture can significantly reduce hospitalization rates and decrease overall mortality among the elderly. Her team utilized the TriNextX health database to analyze 88,676 patients aged 80 and above who suffered osteoporotic fractures. Patients were divided into those who received osteoporosis medications—such as bisphosphonates, denosumab, raloxifene, or teriparatide—and those who did not receive any treatment.

The study monitored these patients over five years, adjusting for common comorbidities—including hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, obesity, heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, neoplasms, and vitamin D deficiency. Results showed that patients on osteoporosis treatment experienced a lower risk of hospitalization and a reduction in all-cause mortality, demonstrating the benefits of proactive treatment in this age group.

Flocco pointed out that the increasing prevalence of osteoporosis with aging necessitates personalized treatment strategies. She advocates for extending osteoporosis therapy to the most vulnerable older adults to prevent fractures and associated disabilities, ultimately improving health span.

The findings reinforce the importance of healthcare providers considering osteoporosis management in the very elderly, especially after fractures, to mitigate future risks and enhance quality of life for this growing demographic.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-osteoporosis-treatment-benefit-people-older.html