Falls – Part 1
The statistics for this happening to a senior is scary. There have been many studies done about this. It was found that 75% of falls occur in the home. Also one in three people aged 65 + years falls each year, with a higher risk happening to women than men. One fifth of falls causes a serious injury- broken bones or head injury. Those who fall and require hospitalization have almost double the amount of time in the hospital than those admitted for any other reason. Two-thirds of those who fall will do so again within six months. More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways. Seniors with chronic conditions affecting their circulation, vision, sensation, mobility, or mental alertness are more likely to fall. This is a lot of information to absorb, but this is a very serious situation that has great potential to be injurious and even deadly.
Because there are numerous risk factors to address, I am going to make this a two part article. Most falls are caused by a combination of different reasons/conditions-AKA: risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chances of falling. In reviewing the factors that can increase your personal risks, you can then personalize your approach to fall prevention.
Several articles I researched put risk factors into 3 categories: Health Based Risks, Environmental Risks and a sort of “Miscellaneous” category. This Part One article will focus on describing the Health Risk factors, and possible prevention action, including: (a) a mental component – if a person has fallen already the person can become anxious-fearful of another fall possibly leading to decreased sense of self-reliance, self-confidence and safety, even at home, increasing isolation, becoming more sedentary, less active and weakness which often leads to further physical and even mental decline, increasing the chances of falling, (b) decreased vision – depth perception caused by aging vision, Diabetes, Eye Diseases, etc. affects the ability to detect fall hazards, i.e. obstacles, steps, puddles, thresholds, changes in walking surface levels, etc. Suggestion: a regular eye exam. Even getting a new eye glass prescription may pose a risk initially. Bifocal, trifocal, and progressive lenses can distort vision and depth perception, ability to adjust to change in lighting while walking. This may lead to loss of balance and falls. Use extra caution while getting accustomed to new glasses, (c) pain –numbness in feet/legs i.e. Diabetes, poor circulation, even bunions, can make it very difficult to sense environmental hazards. Use of ‘safe’ foot ware that has a supportive back and non-slip soles is suggested; also discuss these symptoms with your doctor, (d) decreased physical fitness – weakness, poor balance. Regular mild exercise results in improved muscle and bone mass, improved balance, general strength, (e) Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressant’s side effects, especially when alcohol consumption use is contra-indicated. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and steadiness. Other medication side effects – if you are becoming dizzy, loss of balance, sudden drop in your blood sugar or blood pressure, etc. contact your doctor immediately to discuss this reaction to medications, (f) some chronic health conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s Disease and Arthritis can have an effect on your balance, strengthen, joint integrity and/or cognitive function which can contribute to falls. (g) With some medical conditions, aging or change in habits, some people change their body posture – head held downward and in a “forward” not upright position [causing off-balance] or “shuffle” their feet rather than lifting them high as they did previously- increasing risk of tripping and falling- discuss your safety with your doctor when dealing with these conditions, (h) Dehydration can happen even in winter months, and especially at higher altitudes- causing weakness, disorientation, and dizziness. Make sure you are drinking a sufficient amount of fluids-do not rely of the feeling of thirst as it diminishes with aging.
I know this list seems enormous, but when you are aware of potential risks you can work pro-actively developing an “alertness” when you’re at home and “out and about” to help prevent your falling. Look at what you are doing, pay attention and keep focused. And hopefully you will not need orthopedic services and become a senior statistic.
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