I beg to differ. My grandmother broke both hips within a week of each other at the age of 88 and while suffering from Alzheimer's. This was over a year ago and she's still going strong today. Her mind isn't what it used to be but physically, she's as healthy as she ever was. This has been verified by numerous doctors and physical exams.

My mom was in her seventy's when she broke her hip after being thrown up in the air and landing on the hard street. Her dog had lunged and caused her this problem.She recovered immediatly.We were with her in the hospital and she was not drugged. Maybe the patient is given drugs in the hospital like haldol ativan and others which can cause elder people serious problems, especially if they have heart problems or other health problems. These drugs can put them in danger of loosing their life or causing health problems that weaken them when taking these drugs. It clearly states on the black box the dangers for elder people and people with heart problems and other problems for older people. I have been told by staff, that black box warnings are not important. Also they ignore people with sensitivities to these drugs which can also kill.That is why it is so very important for your loved one to be in the hospital with someone who can protect them from dangers. Do not depend on the sitters because they may go along or may not be able to stop the medical staff from giving drugs.The staff needs to give drugs to keep the staff comfortable. It is not for the patients comfort although they will say that.The staff do not have to tend to the patient if they are unconscious. Family just really have to know something about the medical field to protect not only the elder person but also any other family member that is in the hospital. Another thing that helped my mom was that she enjoyed regular daily hikes in the mountains and was in very good shape. She also did a work out everyday and took very good care of herself. Exercise and diet and taking good care of yourself are very important at any age.