Older motorcyclists may be prone to more serious injuries than younger ones, says a new study from researchers at Brown University. According to the study, those who begin motorcycling later in life, or return to it, are more likely to endure more significant injuries if they crash.
For the study, the research team reviewed data collected from over 1.5 million motorcycle accidents. They found that cyclists over the age of 60 were over 2.5 times more likely to end up in an emergency room with significant injuries than riders in their 20s and 30s.
"There are always some risks involved with motorcycles. But there may be some physical factors that make older riders more prone to being in an accident, or more prone to injury," says lead author Tracy Jackson.
Researchers add: "The greater severity of injuries among older adults may be due to the physiological changes that occur as the body ages. Bone strength decreases, subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution may change, and there is a decrease in the elasticity of the chest wall. . . . Other factors such as delayed reaction time, altered balance and worsening vision may also make older adults more prone to getting into crashes."
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Health News
June 12, 2026 17:14 ET Major central bank action was the focus this week in economic news. The European Central Bank became the first major central bank to move in response to the rising inflationary pressures in the backdrop of the conflict in the Middle East. In North America, the U.S. inflation and trade data as well as Canada’s central bank decision gained attention. The Chinese trade data was the main news in Asia.