Do you know that one out of four seniors fall each year, but less than half of them tell their doctors. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again the next time. They are the leading cause of non-fatal and sometimes fatal injuries for the elderly. Falls have a huge impact on the senior’s health along with their finances and self-confidence.
Falls are most common in seniors and cause a serious health problem along with undesirable consequences. However, falling is not an unavoidable process of aging but can be easily prevented through simple lifestyle adjustments and prevention measures.
WHO termed falls as ‘Geriatric Giants’ which causes morbidity and mortality in seniors. Falls are the markers of poor cognitive and physical status in elderly. Two-third of falls occur in and around the patient’s home.
Conditions increasing falls in seniors
Researchers have identified many conditions which cause a senior to fall. These are called risk factors. Most often the cause of fall is multifactorial. Falls and their sequelae are mostly preventable and hence it is important to know these factors and address them.
Body Weakness
History of falls
Lack of Calcium and Vitamin D deficiency.
Use of medications such as sedatives, antidepressants and unprescribed over-the-counter medicines
Vision issues
Home hazards and slippery floors.
Facts of falls in seniors
One out of five senior falls cause a fatal injury like head injury, broken bones, etc
Each year, 3 million people are treated in the emergency ward for fall related injuries
Falls are expensive, Over Rs. 3 Lakh crore was spent on fall related injuries each year.
Falls are the most common cause of TBI ( Traumatic Brain Injuries )
One in four seniors fall each year
Falling once doubles your chances of fall
Symptoms to look out for
Mostly before falling, the seniors have no symptoms. When the fall is due to hazardous situations in the house, there is little to no warning. However, if a fall is attributed to a senior due to physical conditions, these symptoms can be noted before the fall
Symptoms may include
Dizziness
Light-headedness
Irregular or rapid heartbeats
Falls’ impact on the health of senior
Many falls might not cause major injuries, but one out of five falls like a broken bone, fracture or head injury has a major impact on seniors health. These falls make it harder for a senior to do their routine tasks and to live on their own. Falls which cause head injuries are a very serious health issue for seniors, especially if they are taking certain medications like blood thinners. They should seek medical attention right away.
Apart from injuries, seniors who fall even if they are not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear causes mental trauma and forces them to cut down on their everyday routines. When they are less active, the seniors become weaker and hence increase their chances of falling.
Treatment for falls in seniors
For any fatal injury, the first priority is the treatment of that injury, such as fractures, broken bones, sprained muscles, etc. The following priority is to prevent any such subsequent falls happening by treating the risk factors leading to the fall. Physiotherapy or physical therapy are major after fall treatment options for seniors. Physiotherapists focus on restoring the movements and the functions damaged by the fall. Using a cane also prevents further falls in seniors.
How to prevent falls?
Falls can be prevented in seniors. Here are some simple tips for fall prevention in seniors.
Talk to a Doctor - Ask your doctor to evaluate your risks of falling and steps to prevent. Review the medications to check if any medicine causes dizzy effects. Check if you need some Vitamin D supplements
Check your eyes - As a senior, it is highly recommended to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Wear eyeglasses if needed.
Do Balance exercises - These exercises help you maintain your balance as you age and considerably reduce the risk of falling. Check the blog ‘Seven exercises to keep balanced at an old age’ to learn seven quick and best exercises.
Wear proper shoes and clothing - High heels, shoes with thin soles can make you easily stumble and fall. Make sure to wear properly fitting shoes and comfortable clothing
Make home senior friendly - By senior friendly, we mean the grab bars, anti slip mats, wheelchair access, enough light, etc which makes a home comfortable for a senior to live. 60PlusIndia is the go to place in India for making homes senior friendly and other senior related products and services.
Now that you know the preventions and precautionary measures, use them for a fall free senior life, winning the ‘Geriatric Giants’, leading a self-reliant lifestyle. What else would you suggest for a fall free life? Drop your comments below.
Author: Team 60plus India
Keywords : Falls, Falls in seniors, Impact of falls, Treatment of falls, Prevention of falls, Geriatric giants.
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