title: People who live alone have a higher risk of sustaining hip fractures.
abstract: This study examined the relationship between psychosocial determinants of healthy ageing and the risk of fall-related hip fracture. People living alone were found to have a higher risk of fracture. This may be because these people have a poorer diet, greater intake of medication and lower level of physical activity. Measures of active engagement with life were found to be significantly protective of hip fracture as was living in the same place for more than five years. The challenge is to develop strategies to enhance the psychosocial environments for older people. Opportunities for healthy and productive ageing can be increased by helping with participation in paid and volunteer work. Older people should also be able to stay in their own homes using assistive technology to help them remain independent.