Falls increase with age, leading to sometimes serious injuries and accidents, but there are simple measures that can prevent them.
- One in three people over 65 and one in two over 80 fall each year.
- Around 9,300 people aged 65 and over die each year as a result of a fall.
- Several adjustments within the home and hygiene measures can reduce the risk of falls.
In France, approximately one in three people over the age of 65 and one in two over the age of 80 fall each year. These falls – which are the leading cause of physical trauma among seniors – have many physical and social repercussions. However, as Dr. Cara McDermott points out in an interview with The Associated Press, There are several measures that can reduce the risk of falls.
Falls: securing the home
For the expert, the first point to pay attention to is the layout of the home. It is therefore necessary to remove all potential obstacles and difficulties. For example, remove carpets and other objects on the floor that could be annoying, fix cables and electrical wires to the floor or use cable organizers. Another tip: install several lamps in the most frequented rooms to eliminate areas of shadow.
Another important point to avoid falls. You have to pay attention to the accessibility of everyday objects such as pots, pans, cans, packets of pasta or even shampoo bottles. It is best to keep them within reach.
In addition, it is necessary to secure places where it is possible to lose your balance. For example, it is advisable to have ramps and guardrails on both sides of the stairs, or to install a grab bar and non-slip strips in the bathroom.
If you have difficulty walking, equip yourself with a cane or a walker to gain stability. However, be careful to ensure that these objects are adapted to your size and used correctly.
“If you have parquet flooring, which is prone to slipping, choose slippers with non-slip soles. If possible, you can also have a non-slip covering installed, firmly fixed to the floor.“, specifies for his part theHealth Insurance on its website.
Prioritize activities that develop strength and balance
As seniors age, they may tend to move less and less due to fear of falling. This is a mistake. Staying active is one of the best ways to prevent future falls, even if you have already experienced one. Exercise helps maintain and maintain muscle strength and balance.
“That doesn’t mean you have to go out and start running marathons or whatever, but just (do) functional exercises.”Dr. McDermott tells our colleagues. She recommends chair yoga, tai chi, walking, and more… or playing with the grandchildren.
Falls: beware of prescriptions
Several treatments can cause dizziness, drowsiness, nausea or vertigo… and by domino effect disrupt balance and increase the risk of falling. Thus, for Dr. Cara McDermott, it is essential to speak to the treating physician about all the medications taken and how they can act together. Do not hesitate to warn them of the side effects encountered.
“Changes in hearing, vision, and other senses are common with age and can contribute to falls. Be sure to have your hearing and vision tested regularly.”she says in the article. The expert also recommends taking vitamin D and calcium to boost bone health, another essential element for the good health of seniors.
And in the event of a fall, even if it has not had serious consequences, it is best to inform your doctor. “It may be a one-time thing, but get it checked anyway.”explains Dr. McDermott.