How can we prevent the elderly from falling?

Have you ever met a geriatrician? If yes, you will remember one question that he must have asked you: When did you last fall?

This is not a question that general physicians ask. They are more concerned about body temperature, blood pressure, sugar levels, etc.

The geriatricians, on the contrary, have to deal with patients who are very vulnerable to falls. Research shows that almost one-third of the elderly fall at least once a year, some multiple times; this number jumps to 50 percent once the elderly enter their eighties and nineties.

The doctors ascribe these falls to three factors. What are these factors and how can you reduce their incidence?

1. External factors: The first is the use of carpets. They look good and add to room décor. But for the elderly they are an invitation to fall. Often, the foot gets caught in the carpet, they lose balance and fall. Worn out, uneven or frayed carpets are an even bigger danger.

The second are uneven floors or floors with broken tiles. So are the highly polished and wet floors. They are an invitation to disaster. One misstep, and the elderly end up losing their balance.

The third is unkempt rooms. Electrical wires trailing along the ground, books and notebooks left behind by children on the floor, vegetable peels, spilled water, low stools etc are like mini minefields. Not only the elderly, but anyone can trip on them.

The fourth is the absence of grab rails and grab bars in bathrooms and other parts of the house that the elderly frequent. They go a long way in protecting the falls. Otherwise, the elderly have to seek claw flat walls or pieces of furniture as they struggle to break the fall.

The fifth is poor lighting. Poor lighting prevents the elderly from seeing objects lying on the floor. They either step or them or stumble while avoiding them.

2. Biological Factors: Age and disease reduces the ability of elderly to walk properly. Arthritis, stiff joints, weakening muscles etc affect the gait and posture of the elderly making them vulnerable to falls. Those suffering from Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s are even more vulnerable.

The second reason is medication. Several medicines, especially sedatives given to calm nerves and induce sleep, make them tired and groggy. They don’t feel fresh and energetic and are not in full control of their body movements.

The third is failing eyesight. Most elderly suffer from cataract, glaucoma etc. This impairs their vision and can lead to accidents.

The fourth is the weakening of bones. The possibility of fractures in the elderly is higher as compared to the youth.

3. Situational Factors: These falls happen largely on account of distraction. Elderly sometimes fall down when in a hurry; for instance, while rushing to answer the phone or rushing to board the car. Falls also result when the elderly are talking with their family members or friends while walking and fail to notice an object or a step in the path.

You can save your loved ones much trauma and discomfort if you take care of the above factors. If not completely, the incidence of falls will come down.

To learn more about falls and their impact on the elderly read:

Falls in Older Adults are Serious

Research Finds That Many Older People Can’t Get Up After a Fall

Read also:

The last event in an elderly person’s life