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Risks for falls
– Frequently reported
risk factors include being female or white; having sustained
a previous fall; lower body weakness; gait or balance difficulties;
limiting physical conditions such as glasses or other visual
problems; multiple chronic diseases such as stroke or incontinence;
cognitive impairment; psychoactive medications or more than
four medications; shoes with soles that impair feeling the
ground.†
The costs of fall-related injuries – The average
health care cost of a fall injury is $19,440, according to
a recent study of people aged 72 and older. Costs included
in the calculation were for the hospital, nursing home, emergency
room, and home health care, but did not include physician
services.
In 1994, the total cost of all fall injuries for people age
65 or older was $27.3 billion. It is estimated that, by 2020,
the cost of fall injuries will reach $43.8 billion.†
Reducing the risk of falls – Strategies for preventing
falls include regular vision assessment and correction as
needed; safety improvements such as grab bars, handrails,
and improved lighting; owning and using appropriate
assistive devices such as canes and walkers; gait, balance
and strength training; and using only medications prescribed
by a health care provider and in the proper dosages. The National
Institute on Aging provides a comprehensive checklist of Do's
and Don'ts for safely using medicines: http://www.niapublications.org/engagepages/medicine.asp
.
For many seniors, muscle strength and flexibility do not have
to decrease with age. Seniors who are inactive due to depression,
arthritis pain, obesity, or conditions such as Parkinson's
disease or stroke may experience reduced muscle function.
The benefits of increased physical activity such as walking,
yoga, dancing, and weight training are well demonstrated.
The form of Eastern movement called Tai Chi is quite effective
in improving balance in older adults.† Tai Chi training
leads to improved functional balance that is associated with
subsequent reductions in the frequency of falls in older persons.‡
Sources:
*Texas Cooperative Extension, Family and
Consumer Sciences (FCS)
http://fcs.tamu.edu/families/aging/fall_prevention/index.php
http://fcs.tamu.edu/families/aging/fall_prevention/older_adult_wellness_preventing_falls.php#physical
http://fcs.tamu.edu/families/aging/fall_prevention/reducing_risks_for_falling.php#environment
http://fcs.tamu.edu/families/aging/fall_prevention/risks_for_falls.php
†Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention National Center for Injury Prevention and Control
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/falls.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/SummaryOfFalls.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/fallcost.htm
‡
Journal of
the American College of Sports Medicine
http://www.ms-se.com/pt/re/msse/abstract.00005768-200412000-00008.htm
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