Fall of the elderly: the most at-risk profiles determined

A new study from New York University in the United States provides additional insight into the profile of the elderly most at risk of falling. In the review Geriatrics and Gerontology International, they draw up an interesting inventory of the characteristics of the falls and their victims. To do this, they looked at the profile of 712 patients, aged 55 and over. These participants had been hospitalized for falls, indoors or outdoors.

It appears that outdoor fall victims tend to be males, of a younger age than indoor fall victims. The risk of head trauma and severe open injuries is greater.

For accidents occurring indoors, women with neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer’s are more often victims. Falls which often cause them fractures.

This new information could help further target fall risk prevention initiatives, the researchers conclude.

Physical and psychological after-effects after a fall

Preventing the risk of falling appears to be an important issue for the health of the elderly. Hospitalizations and medical consultations for seniors often result from a fall, whether at home, on the stairs or outside. Not to mention that falls are the leading cause of death for people over 65.

Falls, regardless of their severity, always weaken the elderly. They represent an aggravating risk factor for the loss of autonomy. After the fall, victims may suffer from femoral neck fractures, and in the event of prolonged immobilization without treatment, phlebitis or pulmonary embolism. Psychological sequelae are often frequent (neurodegenerative disease for example).

A March study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggested that tai chi could be an effective activity to strengthen muscles and prevent the risk of falls among seniors.

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