What happens when our elderly fall?
We've all seen those Life Alert commercials that have pretty much become a meme at this point. However silly these commercials may seem, for elderly people, falling is a very serious subject. I have a feeling most of you personally know an older individual who has had a traumatic fall. I've known a few myself, and it is always an incredibly scary and unfortunate situation. Let's take a closer look at falls and how they affect the elderly community.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related visits to emergency care in the U.S.
The elderly community is especially vulnerable when it comes to falls, and a fall can lead to more serious consequences for them. Falls are actually the main cause of accidental deaths in those over 65. According to the World Health Organization, 37.7 million falls occur each year that require medical attention. In the U.S., 20-30% of older people who fall experience moderate to severe injuries.
These can include bruises, hip fractures, and head trauma, among other injuries. The most common of these are hip fractures and head injuries. At least 300,000 older people are hospitalized each year for hip fractures, which most commonly occur from falling sideways. Falls are also the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. The effects of aging can cause these falls to be more dangerous or even fatal.
Many medications prescribed to older people can also make them more prone to falls. Those living in nursing homes or chronic-care facilities in particular experience poor mobility, vision, and cognition that lead to falls. When the effects of aging are combined with environments that may not be properly adapted to suit those experiencing these effects, falls are also more likely.
Many times, older people who have fallen chose not to speak with their doctors about it. It's important that we all prioritize our health and tell our doctors of any concerns so they can address any injuries and help with preventative care.
Falling can increase the fear of it happening again, leading some people to become less active. This can cause them to become weaker, and therefore increase their chances of falling again.
Ways to Prevent Falls
Falls among the elderly lead to decreased independence. We know it's important for many people to maintain their autonomy. Luckily, there are ways to lower the chance of falling.
One helpful resource is the CDC's Stay Independent brochure. This will help people to determine their risk for falling and the need for care. Practices outlined in this brochure include speaking with your provider, staying active, scheduling annual eye exams, and creating a safe space in your home.
Additionally, the WHO recommends balance and functional training, Vitamin D supplements for those who are deficient, and even Tai Chi, among other things. Of course, it is always best to talk to your doctor!
Unfortunately, falls have remained a huge risk for the elderly population over the years. We need to look out for them and help to make sure they are getting all the proper care that they need. The good news is that there are preventative measures that can be taken in order to stop falls from happening.
We do recognize that no method will be perfect, but it is useful to know and implement these things into the lives of those at risk.
It's also very important for all of us, especially those who are at greater risk, to schedule regular visits to the doctor and make sure we are always looking out for our health.
