Summary
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 84, fractured her hip after a fall down a marble staircase in Luxembourg during a Congressional visit marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
Pelosi, who was hospitalized but remains alert and working, plans to return to the U.S. soon.
The incident, coupled with recent falls by other aging lawmakers like Sen. Mitch McConnell, has renewed calls for Congressional term limits.
Pelosi’s visit held personal significance, as her uncle was killed in the historic WWII battle.
That’s usually a death sentence at her age. Breaking a hip is like the worst thing you can have happen during a fall at that age.
It’s about a 20% mortality rate for someone her age.
She’s a congressperson. Access to some of the best healthcare in the world and she doesn’t have to pay for it. I think she’ll be fine…
Why? What happens when you break a hip at that age?
Pneumonia, blood clots, embolisms…
Even in the best of cases, it’s often seen as “the beginning of the end.” The fracture leads to decreased mobility, which then leads to muscle loss and weakness even with physical therapy, making future falls more likely.
Yes, so many reasons. It’s just not good.
They won’t put you under.