Rate of Falls Increasing Among Older Adults Each Year
Fall Prevention Self Help. TUESDAY, March 8, 2022 (HealthDay News) — The incidence of falls among older U.S. adults is increasing at roughly 1.5 per cent per year, according to a research letter published online Feb. 11 in JAMA Network Open.
Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year in the United Kingdom.
“As the proportion of older adults living in the United States and the United Kingdom continues to grow, so too will the number of falls and fall-related injuries.” “However, many of these falls are preventable. To help keep older adults living independently and injury-free, reducing fall risk and fall-related injuries is essential.”
Many Falls Can Be Prevented
Fall Prevention Self Help. By making some changes, you can lower your chances of falling.
Four things YOU can do to prevent falls:
- Have your healthcare provider review your medicines.
- Exercise to improve your balance and strength.
- Have your eyes and feet checked
- Make your home safer.
1. Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention
Fall Prevention Self Help. Tell a provider right away if you fall, worry about falling, or feel unsteady. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Ask your provider about taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle, and nerve health.
2. Exercise to improve your balance and strength.
Fall Prevention Self Help. Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger, lower your chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident. An example of this kind of exercise is Tai Chi. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
3. Have your eyes and feet checked
Fall Prevention Self Help. Once a year, check with your eye doctor, and update your eyeglasses, if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Also, have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear, and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.
4. Make your home safer
a. Move things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
b. Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
c. Try to keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
d. Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.
e. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
f. Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
g. Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.
h. Wear well-fitting shoes with good support inside and outside the house.
What causes a fall?
Fall Prevention Self Help. The natural ageing process means that older people have an increased risk of having a fall. Older people are more likely to have a fall because they may have:
- balance problems and muscle weakness
- vision loss
- a long-term health condition, such as heart disease, dementia or low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness
A fall is also more likely to happen if:
- floors are wet, such as in the bathroom, or recently polished
- the lighting in the room is dim
- rugs or carpets are not properly secured
- the person is rushing to get to the toilet during the day or at night
- the person reaches for storage areas, such as a cupboard, or is going downstairs, stepping down is the cause of many serious falls this is a problem that I will create a post about soon.
- Another common cause of falls, particularly among older men, is falling from a ladder while carrying out home maintenance work.
In older people, falls can be particularly problematic because osteoporosis is a fairly common problem. Consequently, it can develop in both men and women. And particularly in people who smoke, or drink excessive amounts of alcohol. Also, if they take steroid medicine, or have a family history of hip fractures. But older women are most at risk because osteoporosis is often associated with the hormonal changes that occur during menopause.
Your healthcare professional
Healthcare professionals take falls in older people very seriously because of the huge consequences they can have for the health and well-being of this group. As a result, there’s a great deal of help and support available for older people, and it’s worth asking a GP about the various options.
The GP may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you’re taking in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling.
The GP may also recommend:
- looking after your eyes with a sight test if you’re having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses
- having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing
- requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and give advice
- doing exercises to improve your strength and balance (read about physical activity guidelines for older adults)
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In Conclusion
FRIDAY, May 12, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Older Americans are dying of falls at more than double the rate of 20 years ago. And with women, men and all racial groups showing increases, according to a new study. So then, in 2020, the study found, just over 36,500 Americans aged 65 and up died of a fall-related injury. That was up from roughly 10,100 deaths in 1999.
Important Note *
Remember that everyone is different, it is ultimately YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to find what your body responds to. So please do your due diligence before trying anything new, including getting Medical Advice to ensure your safety and peace of mind.
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