The life expectancy of men after a hip fracture at age 75 is significantly reduced compared to their peers without such an injury. Hip fractures in elderly men are associated with a high risk of mortality, especially within the first year following the fracture. On average, studies indicate that the 1-year mortality rate after a hip fracture in older adults can be as high as 25%, meaning that about one in four men aged 75 who suffer a hip fracture may not survive beyond one year. The risk of death is particularly elevated in the first 30 days after the fracture, with mortality rates around 8% during this period.
Several factors influence this reduced life expectancy. The severity of the fracture, the presence of other medical conditions (comorbidities), nutritional status, and the timeliness of surgical intervention all play critical roles. For example, delays in surgery beyond approximately 42 hours after the fracture have been linked to increased 30-day mortality rates. Prompt surgical treatment is therefore crucial to improving survival chances.
Nutritional status is another important determinant. Malnutrition or poor nutritional indices in elderly hip fracture patients are strongly associated with higher mortality rates within 6 months to 2 years after the fracture. Tools that assess nutritional and immune status, such as the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), help predict outcomes. Patients with better nutritional scores tend to have lower postoperative complications and longer survival.
Beyond mortality, hip fractures often lead to long-term functional impairment, which can indirectly affect life expectancy by increasing vulnerability to other health problems. The injury can trigger a cascade of health declines, including reduced mobility, increased risk of infections, and worsening of chronic diseases.
In summary, a 75-year-old man who suffers a hip fracture faces a substantially increased risk of death within the first year, with about a quarter not surviving that period. Early surgery and good nutritional status improve survival odds, but overall, hip fractures in this age group mark a serious health event with a lasting impact on life expectancy.
