Osteoporosis Treatment Recommendations for Patients Over 80 Years Old

SAN FRANCISCO—A recent study presented at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting, ENDO 2025, emphasizes the importance of initiating osteoporosis treatment for individuals aged 80 and older following a fracture. This recommendation aims to mitigate the risk of further complications associated with osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones. Dr. Gianina Flocco, a resident at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, highlighted the growing burden of osteoporosis as the global population ages rapidly.

The study involved an analysis of 88,676 patients aged 80 and older who suffered fractures attributed to osteoporosis. The patients were divided into two cohorts: those who received treatment using bisphosphonates, denosumab, raloxifene, or teriparatide, and those who did not receive any osteoporosis specific treatment. Over a follow-up period of five years, findings indicated that the treatment group experienced significantly lower rates of hospitalization and overall mortality compared to their untreated counterparts.

According to Dr. Flocco, "The results of our study support the initiation of osteoporosis treatment after a fracture for older patients, which can significantly reduce their risk of hospitalization and mortality."

The research accounted for various comorbidities, including hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, obesity, heart failure, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic kidney disease, hyperlipidemia, rheumatoid arthritis, neoplasm, and vitamin D deficiency. The comprehensive analysis underscores the necessity for tailored treatment protocols that address the vulnerabilities of aging patients. As the population continues to age, the prevalence of osteoporosis is expected to rise, making effective treatment strategies increasingly critical.

Dr. Flocco emphasized the need for individualized treatment initiation, noting that preventing complications from osteoporosis, such as fractures leading to disability or death, could significantly enhance the health span of older adults. This perspective aligns with the broader calls within the medical community for proactive management of osteoporosis in aging populations.

This study adds to a growing body of literature advocating for more aggressive osteoporosis treatment strategies in older adults. In light of the findings, healthcare providers are urged to consider initiating treatments for at-risk patients after experiencing a fracture, thereby potentially improving outcomes and reducing healthcare costs associated with osteoporosis-related complications.

As the global burden of osteoporosis continues to escalate, it becomes increasingly vital for health policy and clinical guidelines to adapt to these findings. The evidence presented at ENDO 2025 reinforces the commitment to improving health outcomes in older populations, ensuring that age does not preclude effective medical intervention for osteoporosis.