As men age, their testosterone levels drop which has been associated with reduced muscle mass and strength contributing to impaired mobility and resulting in increased fall risk.
International Study on osteoporotic fractures in men showed that low total serum and bioavailable levels of testosterone are associated with risk of falls in men over 65 years of age (Vandenput L, et al. J Bone Miner Res. 2017). Results of this study corroborated findings of the previous study showing that men 65-69 years old with bioavailable testosterone levels in the lowest quartile had a 40% higher fall risk than those in the highest quartile (relative risk, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.7), though testosterone level was not associated with falls in the oldest men (≥80 years). The effect of testosterone level was independent of overall physical performance status (Orwoll E, et al. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(19):2124-2131). Usually testosterone levels have been associated with overall physical performance which of course affects risk of falls-poor physical health correlates with higher risk of falls- but this study seems to indicate that testosterone may be influencing risk of falls in other ways as well.
There are several natural ways in increase testosterone levels in men:
Exercises, especially bodybuilding and high-intensity exercise
High protein diet
Stress reduction
Sun tanning
Consider vitamin D and zinc supplements
Sleep well
Healthy sex lifestyle
If you would like to discuss more about what can be done to reduce risk of falls please feel free to reach out to us and make appointment was Steady Strides Fall Prevention Medical Institute 443.898.8160.