Physical Activity, Physical Function and Fall and Fracture Risk in Older Men

This chapter describes the relation between both physical activity and physical performance with fall and fracture risk in older adults. First, an assessment of physical activity levels in both clinical and research settings is discussed. Then, the evidence for the association between activity level and fall and fracture risk in older men is reviewed. In the second half of the chapter, methods to assess physical performance (including muscle strength, walking speed and ability to rise from a chair) are described. Next, changes in physical performance that occur with age in older men are outlined. Finally, the association between physical performance and fall and fracture risk is described.