Acad Emerg Med 20 (6): 584 - 591, 2013. doi: 10.1111 / acem.12154 Geriatrics Essentials: Fractures Older people are predisposed to fractures because of the following: A tendency to fall frequently (eg, due to age-related loss of proprioception, adverse effects of drugs on proprioception or postural reflexes, orthostatic hypotension) Impaired protective reflexes during falls Osteoporosis, which becomes more common with aging Age-related fractures include fractures of the distal radius, proximal humerus, pelvis, proximal femur, and vertebrae.