As people age, their risk of falling and fracturing bones increases significantly. For this reason, it is important to take steps to prevent falls and fractures in elderly individuals. In this article, we will explore 6 valuable tips on how to prevent falls and fractures in older people. Read on to learn more!
Introduction
As we age, our bones become more fragile and susceptible to breaks. Falls are a leading cause of fractures in older adults. In fact, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year. Falls are the most important academic and training part of the nursing field so students often worry about where to go for my assignment help. We have covered all aspects in this article.
Falls can cause serious injuries like hip fractures and head injuries, and can even lead to death. But there are things you can do to reduce your risk of falling. The NCOA recommends these seven tips:
- Get regular exercise to improve your strength and balance.
- Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and possible side effects that could make you dizzy or lightheaded.
- Review your home for safety hazards like loose rugs or electrical cords, and fix them immediately.
- Have your vision checked regularly and wear glasses or contacts if needed.
- Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support – avoid shoes with slippery soles or high heels.
- Use a cane or walker if you need help with balance when walking outdoors.
- When going up or down stairs, hold onto the handrail – never use the steps as a seat!
What is the Risk of Falls and Fractures in Elderly People?
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in older adults. Each year, one in three adults aged 65 and over falls, and falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in this age group.
Fractures are a serious complication of falls. The risk of hip fracture increases with age, and the chances of dying from a fall increase as well. In fact, falling is the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in people aged 75 and over.
There are many reasons why elderly people are at increased risk of falling. As we age, our bones get weaker and our muscles get less toned and elastic. We may also have more health problems that can affect our balance, such as arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease. Taking certain medications can also make us dizzy or sleepy, which increases the risk of falling.
There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in older adults:
- Get regular exercise to improve strength and balance. Tai chi is a particularly good form of exercise for older adults.
- Have your eyes checked regularly and wear glasses or contacts if needed. Poor vision can increase the risk of falls.
- Make sure your home is safe by removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs or electrical cords, and installing grab bars in the bathroom and other areas where you may need them.
- Use assistive
Tips to Prevent Falls and Fractures in Elderly People
As we age, our bones become more fragile and susceptible to breaks. Falls are the most common cause of fractures in the elderly, so it’s important to take steps to prevent them.
Here are some tips to prevent falls and fractures in elderly people:
- Exercise regularly. Physical activity helps to strengthen bones and improve balance, making falls less likely.
- Wear supportive shoes. Shoes with good arch support and a low heel can help reduce the risk of falling.
- Use assistive devices. Devices such as canes or walkers can help improve balance and stability.
- Make your home safe. Remove hazards from your home such as loose rugs or electrical cords that could cause you to trip and fall.
- Have your vision checked regularly. Poor vision can make it difficult to see obstacles in your path, leading to falls.
– Exercise Regularly
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. In fact, one in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
Falls can cause serious injuries like hip fractures and head trauma, and can lead to a decline in mobility and independence. But falling is not an inevitable part of aging – there are steps we can all take to reduce our risk of falling.
One of the most important things you can do to prevent falls is to exercise regularly. Physical activity strengthens muscles, improves balance, and increases bone density – all factors that can help reduce your risk of falling.
If you’re not used to exercising, start slowly with gentle activities like walking or swimming. You can also try Tai Chi or other balance-training exercises specifically designed for older adults. The key is to find an activity you enjoy and stick with it!
– Improve Balance and Strength
There are a number of things that you can do to help improve your balance and strength, which will in turn help to prevent falls and fractures. Some simple exercises that can help include:
– Standing on one leg: This helps to strengthen the muscles in your legs and improve your balance.
– Heel-to-toe walking: This is a great way to improve your balance and coordination.
– Tai chi or yoga: These gentle forms of exercise can help to improve your balance, flexibility and strength.
If you are concerned about your risk of falling, talk to your doctor or physiotherapist about ways to reduce your risk.
– Wear Appropriate Footwear
One of the most important things you can do to prevent falls and fractures in elderly people is to wear appropriate footwear. This means shoes that are comfortable and fit well, with low heels and good traction. Slipper socks can also be a good choice for around the house.
– Modify Living Spaces to Reduce Fall Risks
There are many ways to reduce fall risks in the home. Some simple changes can make a big difference.
– Remove trip hazards: Make sure there are no loose cords or rugs that could cause someone to trip and fall.
– Install grab bars: Grab bars can help provide support when getting in and out of the shower or bathtub, and can also be used to steady oneself when moving around the home.
– Improve lighting: Poor lighting is one of the leading causes of falls. Be sure to have plenty of light in all areas of the home, especially near stairways and walkways.
– Use non-slip mats: In the bathroom and kitchen, use non-slip mats or rugs to help prevent slips and falls.
– Stay Hydrated
Falls and fractures are a leading cause of injury in older adults. But there are steps you can take to prevent falls and fractures. One important step is to stay hydrated.
Dehydration can lead to dizziness, which can increase your risk of falling. It’s important to drink enough fluids throughout the day, especially if you’re active or live in a hot climate. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses of water or other fluids each day.
If you have trouble drinking that much fluid, talk to your doctor about other ways to stay hydrated, such as taking supplements or eating foods high in water content, like fruits and vegetables.
– Invest in Assistive Devices
As we age, our bones become more fragile and susceptible to breaks. Falls are a leading cause of fractures in older adults. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to reduce your risk of falling and fracturing a bone.
One of the best ways to prevent falls is to invest in assistive devices. Canes, walkers, and raised toilet seats can all help to make your home safer. Grab bars in the shower and nonslip mats can also reduce your risk of falling.
If you have vision problems, make sure to get your eyes checked regularly and wear glasses or contacts as needed. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.
It’s also important to stay active and exercise regularly. Strength and balance exercises can help to reduce your risk of falling. Tai chi is a particularly good choice for older adults as it combines both strength and balance training.
Last but not least, don’t forget to have your shoes fitted properly and wear shoes that provide good support. Wearing shoes with high heels or slippery soles can increase your risk of falling.
Conclusion
Taking proactive steps in preventing falls and fractures is the best way to keep elderly people safe. Keeping an eye on their diet, regular exercise, supervising medications, modifications of the home environment and providing them with proper fall prevention devices can help significantly reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Taking these precautions will not only protect your loved ones from severe injury but also provide peace of mind that they are safe at all times.
