Fall In The Elderly – When The Aged Fall | Healthy Living Tips, Nutrition And Healthy Living Guide

Fall In The Elderly – When The Aged Fall

Wed, Jul 20, 2011

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Fall In The Elderly – When The Aged Fall

Fall in the elderly is becoming a major health issues and is the leading cause of injury-related of 65 years old according to the National Safety Council. Every year, more than 500,000 Fall in the elderly end up in accident and emergency departments after a fall. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging, but the risk of falling increases as people get older. The fact of the matter is that everyone is susceptible to a fall regardless of his/her age. Although persons of all ages do fall at one time or another in their lives, the elderly are more likely to become victims. Why are the elderly particularly at risk for falls? What can be done to prevent such falls?

Fall in the elderly can be markers of poor health and declining function. When you are still young and fit, picking yourself up after a fall is effortless and may result in nothing but a few bruises. However, this is not the case for the aged person, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among elderly, according to the US Centers for Disease Control, and a significant factor in nursing home admissions. Two-thirds of all falls occur in the home. Some cause disability which may fracture the bones and change their entire life and even a loss of independence.

Falls in the elderly patients occurs due to various reasons such as age-related vision diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma. The limitations will hinder the ability to safely moving around in their surroundings, regardless it be in their own home or in a shopping mall. At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home; the most common hazard for falls is tripping over objects on the floor. Other factors include poor lighting, unsturdy furniture, lack of grab bars or poorly mounted grab bars, and loose rugs.

As people get older, they are more likely to suffer from a variety of chronic medical conditions that often require taking several medications. People with chronic illnesses that affect their circulation, sensation, mobility, or mental alertness as well as those taking some types of medications are more likely to fall as a result of drug-related side effects such as dizziness, confusion, disorientation, or slowed reflexes.

Due to hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis or lost in bone density is the culprits cause of fractured in elderly, especially among women. Lack of exercise regularly might results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility which all contribute to falls and the severity of injury due to falls.

Drinking alcoholic beverages also increases the risk of falling. Alcohol slows reflexes and response time; causes dizziness, sleepiness, or lightheadedness; alters balance; and encourages risky behaviors that can lead to falls.

What can be done to prevent such falls?

One of the best defenses against such possible hazards that accompany aging is exercise. Importantly, the level of exercise must be set appropriately to the health of the senior. Not only does exercise maintain strength and coordination, but this combination is one of the best defenses against accidental injuries. Benefits to the overall body are numerous and include: increased strength of heart muscle, increased blood flow to some organs, increased endurance, improved overall breathing and blood flow, decreased blood pressure, increased joint flexibility and strength, decreased vulnerability to bone fractures, improved digestion and excretion, increased bladder control, improved or maintained elasticity of the lungs, chest, ribs and diaphragm, improved circulation of air in the lungs, strengthened breathing muscles, maintained number and function of sweat glands, and the slowing down of the drying of the skin.

Eat Healthy Meals, good nutrition will help keep up strength, resistance and sense of balance. Eliminating unnecessary medications and getting regular eye exams and physicals are top recommendations for preventing falls among elderly.

Falling are often due to hazards that are easy to fix. Here are some useful tips to minimize the risk of falling and breaking a bone at home:

Keep all rooms free from clutter, especially the floors.
Don’t put electrical and telephone cords across pathways.
Improve the lighting, use bright light bulbs in your home.
Use night lights in your bedroom, bathroom, hallways and stairways.
Keep a flashlight, making sure with fresh batteries beside your bed at all times.
Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery.
Avoid shiny tiles, especially kitchen and bathroom floors which might become slippery from moisture.
Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes with nonskid soles, even at home. Avoid walking around in socks, stockings, or floppy, backless slippers.
Avoid wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up.
Check that all carpets or rugs have skid-proof backing and are tacked to the floor.
Install grab bars put in your bathtub, shower and toilet area.
Use a rubber bath mat in the shower or tub.
Have handrails put on both sides of stairways with adequate lit.
Fix loose or uneven steps.
Keep stairways free of obstacles.
Never rush up or down your stairs. Rushing is a major cause of falls.
Have sidewalks and walkways repaired so that surfaces are smooth and even.
Have your eyes checked every year. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
Have your hearing checked every two years.
Limit your alcohol intake to two drinks or less a day.
Get up slowly after you sit or lie down. Getting up suddenly can make you dizzy.
Remove your reading glasses when you go up or down stairs.
Get regular exercise to strengthen the muscles you use for walking and lifting.
Practice Balance Exercise Every Day.
Eat good nutrition food that will help keep up your strength, resistance and sense of balance.
Do not skip meals. It can make you weak and dizzy.

But what about the outdoor environment? Slips, trips and falls in outdoor environments caused by rain, sleet, ice and snow and particulate soil that cause surfaces to become slippery or produce poor traction is sometimes unavoidable and are uncontrollable environmental conditions. What can be done to minimize the incidence of falls outside of the home?

Fall in the elderly outdoor can be prevented by:

Wear appropriate vision correction.
Use hand rails as you go up and down steps and on escalators.
Use a walker, a walking stick or cane as needed for added stability.
Wear properly fitted footwear or boots with rubber soles for added traction.
Improve balance. Keep your muscles strong, but maintain flexibility.
Keep your porch, deck, walkways and driveway free of snow, leaves, rocks, clutter or trash.
Stop at curbs and check their height before stepping up or down.
Avoid traveling in the dark.
Use a shoulder bag or a backpack to leave your hands free. Do not overload your pack which might contributes to poor balance and fatigue.
Avoid walking on ice and if sidewalks look slippery, walk in the grass for more solid footing.
Rest when you are tired.
Stay well hydrated.