3 reasons why your hip replacement age isn’t a problem

Today, the average hip replacement age is younger than ever. Thanks to baby boomers looking for a continued active lifestyle and the advancement of artificial joints, the average age of hip replacement patients is just under 65 years old and continues to decline. (At the Kennedy Center, we’ve seen patients as young as 40 getting hip replacements.) In addition, as the baby boomer generation crosses into retirement, the number of hip replacement surgeries has more than doubled in the last 15 years.

Baby boomers are redefining retirement. From staying active to traveling and enjoying other adventures where mobility is key, they need their bodies to be able to keep up. Receiving a hip replacement at a younger age allows many baby boomers to continue with their adventurous lives, pain free. Here are three reasons why baby boomers are no longer too young for hip replacements.

1. Improved artificial joints last longer than ever before.

How long does a hip replacement last? The answer may surprise you. Hip replacements today last upwards of 20 years, making them a successful way to stay active as you age. In fact, 99 percent of the titanium total hip replacements at the Kennedy Center have survived for more than 28 years. The new, flexible material that make up these artificial joints bends without breaking and actually allows bone to grow around it. The implant grows right into the patient’s bone, helping to keep it in place and strong keeping you active as you age. So, how long does a hip replacement last? Often long enough for baby boomers to enjoy their new hip for the rest of their lives.

Learn more about hip procedures at the Kennedy Center.

2. Younger people want to maintain their active lifestyle.

Age is no longer an excuse for not being active. Everyone from 40-year-olds to baby boomers who want to keep moving into their 60s, 70s and even 80s. Hip replacements make that possible. Continuing to work, exercise, travel and play with grandchildren are all motivating factors in staying as active as possible. Since positive hip replacement results and patient satisfaction are high and continue to rise, hip replacement surgeries could be your solution to staying active.

3. Pain shouldn’t hinder your ability to enjoy life.  

Thanks to longer-lasting and better results, there is no reason to live with pain. Many people who previously thought they were too young for hip replacements, but were still living in pain, would try ineffective alternative solutions until they reached an older age. Because today’s hip replacements can correct the pain now and for years to come, the hip replacement age continues to get younger. It doesn’t makes sense to live with pain that keeps you from living life to the fullest.

Impressive hip replacement results lead to a happier life.

Thanks to advancing technology, the desire to be active and the ability to alleviate pain, the average hip replacement age is lower than it’s ever been.

At the Kennedy Center, we want to help you get back to your active lifestyle. If you live with hip pain or know someone who does, we’d love to discuss your hip replacement options.

Get to know us! Learn more about our orthopedic surgeons and how they are ready to help.