完形填空

When former President Ronald fell and break his hip at the age of 89, he joined a group of more than 350,000 elderly Americans who 【A1】________ their hips each year. Suffering from 【A2】________ Alzheimer’s disease, Reagan was in one of the highest-risk groups for this type of accident. The 【A3】________ of his fractures not only increases after age 50, but doubles every five to six years as the risk of falling increases. Slipping and tumbling are not the only 【A4】________ of hip fractures; weakened bones sometimes break spontaneously. But falling is the major cause, 【A5】________ 90% of all hip fractures.

These injuries are not to be taken lightly. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic 【A6】________, only 25% of those who suffer hip fractures 【A7】________ fully recover; as 【A8】________ as 20% will die within 12 months. Even when patients 【A9】________recover, nearly half will need a cane or a walker to get 【A10】_______ .

When it comes to hip fractures, the most dangerous place for elderly Americans, 【A11】________, is their homes; nearly 60% of these dangerous spills will occur in or around the patient’s 【A12】________. This isn’t bad news, 【A13】________,because a few modifications could prevent a lot of accidents.

The first thing to do is to get rid of those thrown rugs that line hallways and entrances. They often fold over or bunch up, turning them into booby traps for anyone shuffling down the hall.

Entering and leaving the house is a particularly high-risk activity, 【A14】________is why some experts suggest removing any doorsills higher than 1/2 in. If the steps are bare wood, you can increase traction by applying non-slip treads.

Because many seniors suffer from poor balance (whether from neurological deficits or from the inner-ear problems that increase naturally with aging), it is also helps to install grab bars and handrails in bathroom and along hallways.

The bedroom is 【A15】________ major hazard area that can be made much safer with a few adjustments. Avoid stain sheets and comforters, and opt for non-slip material like wool or cotton. Easy access to devices is important, so place a lamp, telephone and flashlight near the bed 【A16】________ arm’s reach. Make sure the pathway between the bedroom and bathroom is completely clear, and install a night-light along the route for those emergency late-night trips.

It’s a good idea to rearrange the furniture throughout the house, so that the paths between rooms are free of obstructions. Also, make sure telephone and appliance cords aren’t stung across common walkways, where they can be tripped over.

【A17】________ these physical precautions, there are the health precautions every aging body should take. Physical and eye examinations, with special attention 【A18】________ cardiac and blood-pressure problems, should be performed annually to rule out serious medical conditions. Blood pressure that’s too low or an irregular heartbeat can put you at risk for fainting and falling. Don’t forget to take calcium and 【A19】________, two critical factors in developing strong bones. Finally, enrolling in an exercise program at your local gym can improve agility, strength, balance and coordination—all important skills that can keep you 【A20】________.