If you or a relative have fallen, you are not alone. Every year, more than one in four adults 65 and older experiences a fall—the risk of falling and the consequences of falling increase with age. Many falls, nevertheless, can be avoided. For instance, you can prevent falls by exercising, controlling your medications, examining your vision, and making your home safer.
A minor mishap, such as tripping over a rug or slipping on a damp floor, can profoundly impact your life. Many older adults get bone fractures each year as a result of falls. A broken bone might trigger more significant health issues in elderly adults, which can result in long-term impairment.
If you or an elderly relative have fallen, you are not alone. Every year, more than one in four adults 65 and older experiences a fall—the risk of falling and the consequences of falling increase with age. Many falls, nevertheless, can be avoided. For instance, you can prevent falls by exercising, controlling your medications, examining your vision, and making your home safer.
Many older people are concerned about falling, even if they have never fallen. Due to this worry, they could avoid going for walks, shopping, or engaging in social activities. However, being active is crucial to maintaining your body’s health and helps reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, resist the urge to stay inactive out of fear of falling. To feel more at ease, keep active, learn what causes falls, and learn how to reduce your fall risk.
Potential causes of falls in the elderly
• You might not have as quick reflexes, hearing, or vision as you did when you were younger.
• A fall may result from a condition that affects your balance, such as diabetes, heart disease, or issues with your nerves, feet, thyroid, or blood vessels.
• Conditions like incontinence that necessitate a hasty trip to the restroom may also raise the risk of falling.
• Older adults with mild cognitive impairment or specific types of dementia are more likely to fall.
• Painful feet and dangerous footwear, such as backless shoes or high heels, can make you more likely to trip and fall.
• Some drugs have side effects like confusion or dizziness, which might increase a person’s risk of falling. The likelihood of falling increases with the number of medications you take.
What you can do to prevent falls?
First and foremost, make your home as safe as you can. Here are a few recommendations:
• Put on footwear with non-skid soles (not house slippers).
• Good lighting within your home will assist you in seeing any potential trip hazards. Use nightlights in the bathroom, the bedroom, the corridors, and the stairs.
• Throw rugs should either be removed or taped to the floor. Tape carpet edges down.
• Keep all computer cables and electrical cords away from walkways.
• Don’t use stepladders or stools to climb.
• Have stairways equipped with handrails on both sides.
Many older people are concerned about falling, even if they have never fallen. Due to this worry, they could avoid going for walks, shopping, or engaging in social activities. However, being active is crucial to maintaining your body’s health and helps reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, resist the urge to stay inactive out of fear of falling. To feel more at ease, keep active, learn what causes falls, and learn how to reduce your fall risk.
• Get another person to assist with any climbing-related tasks.
• Use non-skid wax or refrain from waxing your flooring at all.
• Repair walkways and sidewalks so that the surfaces are level and smooth.
Your health and the potential for falls
You might experience fewer falls if you take care of your general health. Most of the time, accidents and falls aren’t just random occurrences.
Correct use of walkers and canes and proper footwear can help prevent falls.
• The wheels on a walker should move easily. Check with your healthcare provider to ensure that the walking aids you borrow from a friend are the correct size. This is especially crucial if traveling through unfamiliar territory or on uneven ground. You can get assistance deciding which gadgets could be helpful and learn how to use them properly from a physical or occupational therapist.
• Opt for the proper footwear. Wear low-heeled, non-slip shoes with rubber soles to provide complete foot support. Avoid wearing socks, shoes, or slippers with smooth bottoms when using stairs or floors.
• If the weather is poor, think about staying inside. Many community agencies accept phone orders; some bring prescriptions and groceries daily. If you must walk outside in inclement weather, be especially careful when walking on icy or damp surfaces. These can be pretty slick! Use an ice melt or sand to remove ice from your doors and walkways.
Developing Medical Issues
A fall may inform your doctor of a developing medical condition, medication problems, or potentially treatable vision problems. Your doctor can advise physical therapy, a walking aid, or other measures to prevent further falls.
Steps to take if you fall
It can be frightening and startling if you fall suddenly at home or elsewhere. If you do fall, try to maintain your composure and follow these instructions:
• Breathe. Try to relax by taking several long, deep breaths. If you do this, stay still on the ground or floor for a few moments so you can recover from the shock of falling.
• Assess your level of injury. An injury could worsen if you stand up too quickly or incorrectly.
• Seek aid. If you are injured or unable to stand, ask for help or dial 911. If you are alone, try to find a comfortable position and wait for aid to arrive. To prepare for a fall, keep a cordless or mobile phone that is fully charged at all times and schedule daily communication with a family member or friend.
• Even if you did not experience pain when you fell, you should always let your doctor know if you have fallen since your last check-up.
• Alternative options include emergency response systems: With these systems, you can call for assistance by pressing a button on a unique necklace or bracelet. This feature is also present in several smartwatches.
Keep your bones healthy to avoid fractures brought on by falls.
While having solid bones won’t guarantee you won’t fall, they could help you avoid significant injuries like shattering a hip or other bone if you do. Bone fractures and breaks can result in a hospital or nursing home stay, a lifetime of disability, or even death. Getting adequate vitamin D and calcium can keep your bones healthy. Keeping active can also help. Make an effort to engage in 150 minutes of physical activity each week.
Quitting smoking and abstaining from or restricting alcohol consumption are other approaches to protecting bone health. The use of tobacco and alcohol may reduce bone mass and raise the risk of fractures. Additionally, make an effort to keep a healthy weight. Bone loss and shattered bones are more likely to occur in underweight people.
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones, causing thin, fragile bones. Even a slight fall could be harmful for those with osteoporosis. Consult your physician about osteoporosis.
For older persons, falls are a frequent cause of visits to the emergency room and hospital stays. These hospital appointments are frequently due to fractures brought on by falls. Maintaining strong bones and using the advice from the previous section to prevent falls can help reduce your risk of fractures.
