Preventing Falls in the Elderly
Risk of Accidental Injury Highest in Senior and Older Adults
Nov 13, 2009
Sustaining an injury due to a fall can be life changing for older and senior adults. Depending on the severity of the fall, an injury can take months to heal and even result in permanent disability. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), “Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults 73 and older and the second leading cause of death from ages 60-72.” Even with statistics such as these, a majority of injuries and deaths related to falling are preventable.
Preventing Falls Inside the Home
Approximately one third of all falls that result in injury and death are the result of falling inside the home. Reasons an individual may fall in the home are:
- Tripping over items left on the floor
- Curled edges on carpeting, area rugs and other unsecured flooring
- Lack of railings or supports around stairs
- Lack of support in slippery areas such as the bathroom or bathtub
- Low lighting
Preventing Falls Outside the Home
The outdoors pose additional risks that can result in a fall – often associated with weather conditions. Even though these conditions are uncontrollable, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent falls in the elderly.
- Maintain areas around the home, removing debris, tripping and other environmental hazards. Older and senior adults should ask for assistance to prevent or reduce the chance of injury when completing these tasks if needed.
- Ask for assistance during cold and winter months. Ice, snow and mud can all become potential falling hazards.
- Replace low or inadequate lighting
- Take time to complete tasks, focus on one task at a time and avoid rushing
Senior Fitness and Decreased Risk of Falling
Exercise can be beneficial for anyone at any age, but is particularly important for aging adults and seniors. The belief that starting an exercise program can increase the probability for injury and falling is a myth. Senior fitness programs can provide a number of benefits, such as:
- Increased strength and muscle tone
- Prevention and reversal of sarcopenia, a medical condition associated with aging resulting in muscle loss and deterioration
- Improved balance and flexibility, decreasing the risk and probability of a fall
- Increase in bone density
Before starting any exercise program, a physician should be consulted to asses current health conditions, existing health problems, appropriate exercise programs and other concerns.
Other Risk Factors
Several other factors can increase the risk of falling both inside and outside the home. These include, but are not limited too:
- Osteoporosis – a medical condition results in the loss of bone density, resulting in bone fractures. The most common fractures related with this condition and falling are hip fractures.
- Medications – many medications can cause vertigo or dizziness in older adults and seniors. Medications, combinations and side effects should be reviewed periodically by a physician.
- Vision changes or loss – vision changes can result in falls by decreasing visibility. The risk of falling increases greatly when combined with low lighting and tripping hazards.
- Medical conditions – certain physical and mental conditions can increase the risk of falling by impacting balance, muscle strength, bone density, mental clarity and focus. A physician should be consulted on a regular basis to discuss current health and need for assistance at home to prevent injuries related to falling.
Prevention Before Injury
Falling is a leading cause of injury, but the statistics are even higher when applied to older and senior adults. Even thought the risk of falling increases with age, many risks can be reduced or completely prevented by taking proactive steps. This will ultimately impact the health and safety of an individual both inside and outside the home.
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