Falls can lead to hip fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and fractured bones. A fall can lead to a hospital stay where recovery time can vary. Even without significant injuries, falls threaten the well-being and independence of the older adult.
Falls in the elderly and the consequent fractures are said to be the next epidemic in Asia. At least 30% of persons above the age of 65 will experience a fall and half of this group will experience recurrent falls. For those who sustain hip fractures, only a quarter of these persons will regain independence. The remaining 75% will remain dependent to varying degrees.
With the possibility of such devastating consequences after even a single fall, the outcomes for any condition with numbers in epidemic proportions will result in a huge personal and societal burden in terms of care and costs.
Hence, taking falls seriously and putting in measures to prevent falls are crucial and need to be implemented on both a personal and societal level.
Before we can implement fall prevention measures, we need to look at the reasons why older persons are at risk of falling. There is a myriad of factors which increase fall risk and usually, the compounded effect of multiple factors results in the eventual fall.
Some of these factors are: weakened eyesight and hearing, loss of flexibility and balance, side effects from medication, blood pressure issues, and diminished bone and muscle strength.
Paying attention to the following aspects of personal health and fitness is the first step in the fight against falls:
Most older persons fall in the areas they spend the most time in – usually their own homes with the more common areas being the bedroom and the bathroom. Here are some tips to make your home a safer, fall-free place.
Move or remove:
Ensure:
Reviewed by Dr. Vina Doshi, Consultant Physician and Specialist, Agewell Seniors Clinic
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