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Falls are the number one cause of injury in adults over age 65. In fact, more than 1/3 of people age 65 and older fall each year, which often result in serious injuries, including head injuries, lacerations, and hip fractures.
While falls may be common, it’s estimated that many can be prevented. In this segment, you’ll learn about simple methods to help prevent falls, as well as where to seek care for someone who has suffered a fall.
Simple Methods To Help Prevent Falls
- Exercising regularly
- Vision screenings
- Having medications reviewed by a doctor
- Checking home for safety
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string(3564) "According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults. In fact, in 2012, around 2.4 million falls were treated in emergency departments throughout the nation and more than 722,000 of these patients were hospitalized. Older adults who receive injuries as a result of a fall may find themselves in need of long-term care or a stay in a rehabilitative facility. And in some cases, falls can be fatal.
The most common injuries that occur from falls include fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand. While serious, the next statistic may open your eyes even more. Again, the CDC notes that from 2006–2010, falls were the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) for all age groups, although most occur in the youngest and oldest demographics. To put that into perspective, falls account for more than 40 percent of all TBIs in the nation; more than automobile accidents, assaults, and being struck or hit by an object combined.
Check out our tips below to help you prevent and handle falls.
Tips to Prevent Tripping
- Lighting. Have bright lighting in your home. Bright light helps you to avoid tripping over objects that are hard to see. Be sure the stairs are well lit. Put night lights in the bedroom, hallways, and bathroom.
- Rugs and cords. Fasten rugs firmly to the floor, or use rugs with non-skid backing. Tack down all loose ends on rugs. Move electrical cords from areas of the floor where you walk.
- Grab bars. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Put them in the bath and shower and next to the toilet. Do not hold onto towel bars or soap dishes when you move in the bathroom. These items may not be strong enough to support you.
- Hand rails. Avoid using stairs without hand rails. Install sturdy hand rails on all stairs.
- Kitchen items. Place kitchen items within easy reach. Do not store things too high or too low. When things are easy to reach, you will not need to use a step ladder or a stool. You also can avoid reaching and bending over when things are easily reachable.
- Footwear. Wear shoes and slippers that fit well and have firm, non-skid soles. Do not wear loose-fitting shoes or slippers.
If you have questions about this information, please talk with your nurse, therapist, or doctor.
» Watch our Medical Mondays segment on preventing falls among seniors and find additional fall-related articles.
If you're an older adult or are caring for an older adult, it's important to monitor your health and changing health needs. Visit the Geriatric Services at UPMC department online or call 1-800-533-UPMC to schedule an appointment.
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string(149) "Learn more about how to prevent falls and when to seek help if you do by reviewing our easy tips, and check out our infographic to help handle falls."
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string(303) "According to the CDC the leading cause for injuries among older adults are falls. An unfortunate tumble may result in serious injuries and lead to long-term care or even a stay in a rehabilitation facility. Check out these tips to help prevent tripping, as well as what you should do in case of a fall. "
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According to the CDC the leading cause for injuries among older adults are falls. An unfortunate tumble may result in serious injuries and lead to long-term care or even a stay in a rehabilitation facility. Check out these tips to help prevent tripping, as well as what you should do in case of a fall.Read More
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string(4207) "As we age, our bodies change and weaken. This comes from a long-life of wear and tear on joints, bones, and muscles. When individuals get into their 60s, most adults share similar fears about aging.
Many minor health conditions can cause annoyances and difficulty doing daily activities. The good news is with caution and care you can manage health concerns and keep up with the things you love.
Elderly Falls
Falls are one of the primary health concerns for seniors. Hip fractures or head injuries from falls can cause serious health problems, as well as hurt your ability to live without some help.
Falls can happen because of changes in balance, strength, or vision. Medications can also cause dizziness, especially when interacting with other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements.
The best way to avoid falls is to exercise regularly to keep up your strength and improve balance. Have your doctor review all medications and supplements you are taking, and be sure your vision is checked regularly. To prevent falls around the house, look for tripping hazards, install grab bars in the bathroom, and make sure all stairs have firm railings.
Elderly Vision Problems
Having regular eye exams is important as you grow older, not only to make sure your glasses are up to date, but also to watch for eye disease.
Glaucoma and macular degeneration are the most common age-related eye disorders that cause trouble seeing. The earlier you catch problems, the better chance you have of retaining your vision.
Remember that problems like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect your vision, so managing chronic conditions is also important to your eyes.
Seniors and Dementia
Dementia is a decline in memory and decision making ability. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. Memory loss is the first sign of dementia, and the condition worsens over time. How quickly it happens is different for everyone, as is the cause.
Seniors and Incontinence
Leaking urine is a common concern or fear among older adults. It's embarrassing and feels unclean when it happens, which makes many people feel self-conscious about reporting it. In many cases, incontinence is often a side effect of other disorders such as strokes, Alzheimer's, or urinary tract infections.
It also happens frequently in women from the pelvic muscles relaxing when sneezing or laughing, causing leaks. The muscles weaken over time from childbirth and aging. Kegel exercises can help strengthen those muscles and reduce incontinence.
Arthritis and Seniors
Osteoarthritis is common in older adults as the cartilage in your joints wears away. Your joints begin to feel stiff and painful, and may even swell.
Exercising, keeping your weight under control, and following a healthy diet are the best ways to manage arthritis. If the pain becomes too much, talk with your doctor about medications and other options.
Proper management of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease is important to avoiding common health concerns in seniors. Work with your doctor to manage medications, develop an exercise plan, and follow a healthy diet to stay fit and active.
» Watch our Medical Mondays segment on preventing falls among seniors and find additional senior-related articles.
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string(341) "As we age, our bodies start to weaken and change. Years of use cause a lot of wear and tear on the joints, bones, and muscles. For older adults their bodies just aren’t what they used to be. Simple day-to-day activities may become a challenge. Read on to see how you can take care and precautions to manage the most common health concerns."
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As we age, our bodies start to weaken and change. Years of use cause a lot of wear and tear on the joints, bones, and muscles. For older adults their bodies just aren’t what they used to be. Simple day-to-day activities may become a challenge. Read on to see how you can take care and precautions to manage the most common health concerns.Read More
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string(4144) "It's not uncommon to experience an occasional "head rush" — brief dizziness or lightheadedness — upon standing up. But if these symptoms occur regularly, you could have postural hypotension. Also known as orthostatic hypotension, the condition is a form of low blood pressure. Although most cases are mild, they can sometimes signal more serious problems.
When you stand up, blood pools in your legs — a natural consequence of gravity. As a result, there isn't enough blood circulating back to the heart, and your blood pressure decreases. To counteract this phenomenon, cells called baroreceptors send signals to your brain that trigger an increase in your heart rate, in turn raising blood pressure. Postural hypotension occurs when something interferes with this process. People with the problem typically experience a sudden, extreme drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can lead to:
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Fainting
Common Causes of Postural Hypotension
A number of factors can cause postural hypotension, many of which are common and benign. For example,
dehydration (often the result of vomiting, diarrhea, strenuous exercise, or not drinking enough fluids) is a common culprit. Some people, particularly older adults, have a drop in blood pressure after they eat. Hot temperatures, pregnancy, bed rest due to illness, and being over age 65 can also raise your risk of the problem.
Many conditions also have postural hypotension as a side effect, including:
Most mild forms are simply bothersome, but the issue can cause complications like falls as a result of fainting. It is also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. If you experience postural hypotension often, see your physician.
Postural Hypotension Prevention
Most approaches to preventing postural hypotension involve making a few simple, smart changes to your lifestyle, such as:
- Up your fluid intake. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol, which is associated with a higher risk of the problem.
- Elevate the head of your bed and get up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
- Check your meds. Some prescription drugs can cause postural hypotension as a side effect, including certain heart medications, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and those used to treat erectile dysfunction.
- Stick to small meals if your blood pressure drops after eating. Depending on your individual case, your doctor may also recommend adding more salt to your diet.
- Wear compression stockings. These garments can help keep blood from pooling in your legs.
- Get moving. Physical activity can help reduce symptoms of postural hypotension. You may be able to stop an episode by crossing and squeezing your thighs or elevating your legs.
- If the problem is severe and if lifestyle measures don't work for you, your physician can prescribe medications that help raise blood pressure.
- » Watch our Medical Mondays segment on preventing falls among seniors and find additional fall-related articles.
Concerned you or your loved one might suffer from postural hypotension? Contact the
UPMC Aging Institute for assistance or to
schedule an appointment with your doctor.
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Most of us will experience an occasional “head rush” when we stand up too quickly. However if you find yourself regularly feeling dizzy or lightheaded, you may have a form of low blood pressure called postural hypotension. Learn more about the potential causes as well as prevention tips.Read More
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string(3987) "For most of us, a stumble is simply embarrassing. But for older people and others with weakened bones, falls can result in serious injuries, such as hip fractures. Falling from a standing height — such as tripping over a rug, slipping on an icy sidewalk, or just losing your balance — is the most common cause of these hip fractures in the elderly, as well as those with osteoporosis or osteogenesis imperfecta. That's a problem, because fractures of the hip and other bones can have severe — even life-threatening — consequences.
Types of Hip Fractures
There are two main types of hip fractures, which depend on the area of the femur (thigh bone) that is injured:
- Intracapsular hip fracture
- Intertrochanteric hip fracture
An
intracapsular fracture occurs at the top of the femur, while an
intertrochanteric fracture occurs in the part of the pelvic bone that juts out.
Hip Fracture Side Effects and Complications
Both types of hip fractures can cause:
- Extreme pain
- Inability to move or put weight on the leg
- Stiffness, swelling, and bruising around the hip area
Some people who have suffered a hip fracture may find that the leg on their affected side appears shorter than the other or that the foot turns outward from their body.
Because hip fractures and similar fall-related injuries can slow you down and require rest, they can increase your risk of complications, including:
The immobility caused by fractures can also cause your muscles to atrophy and your bones to weaken, which can raise your odds of another fall.
Fall-Related Injury and Hip Fracture Risks
You're more likely to experience fall-related injuries if you:
- Are a senior citizen. As we age, bone and muscle mass decrease at the same time that vision and balance problems increase.
- Are a woman. The drop in estrogen that accompanies menopause means that women lose bone density more quickly than men, making them more prone to fractures. About 70 percent of hip fractures occur in women.
- Have osteoporosis or other conditions that can weaken bones or raise the risk of falling, such as an overactive thyroid, cognitive dysfunction, and an intestinal disorder.
- Take certain medications, including steroid drugs and sedatives.
- Have an eating disorder or certain nutritional deficiencies.
- Are physically inactive.
- Use tobacco, alcohol, or both.
Preventing Fall-Related Injuries and Hip Fractures
If you fracture a hip or suffer other fall-related injuries, you should seek immediate medical attention. You may require hip repair or replacement surgery. Because about 20 percent of people who fracture a hip will have another hip fracture within a few years, your physician may recommend medications such as bisphosphonates to help reduce that risk. You'll also likely need regular physical therapy and rehabilitation to become mobile again.
Aside from taking steps to reduce your
risk of falling, you can help prevent fractures by exercising regularly, getting enough calcium and vitamin D to build and maintain bone mass, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco. Your doctor can give you other advice for preventing fractures and other injuries.
» Watch our Medical Mondays segment on
preventing falls among seniors and find additional fall-related articles.
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For most of us, a stumble is nothing more than an embarrassing moment. For older adults, however, a fall can be very damaging. Years of wear and tear on their bodies, means their bones and muscles have been weakened. Hip fractures are the most common fall-related injury and can lead to further complications. Read on to see how you can prevent potential injuries.Read More
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string(3169) "When we're younger, taking a spill is usually nothing more than an embarrassing stumble. But as we age, problems with vision and balance, along with weakened bones and muscle loss, can make falls more likely.
That's a concern, because older people are also more prone to hip fractures and other fall-related injuries, which can result in increased immobility and disability. In fact, according the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in every three Americans age 65 and older falls every year, and two million of them will be treated in emergency departments for their injuries. Severe injuries from falls often require surgery, medication, and physical therapy — and can greatly raise your risk of suffering another fracture.
Staying Steady on Your Feet
The good news is that falling isn't an inevitable part of aging. There's a lot you can do to prevent the problem, both for yourself and your loved ones. Here's how to prevent falls:
Cut the clutter. Assess your home for obstacles and hazards such as boxes, shoes, and piles of newspapers, magazines, or books and remove them.
Clear the path. Secure loose electrical and phone cords and move coffee tables, plant stands, and other pieces of furniture out of high-traffic areas.
Clean your house. Mop up spills right away, remove loose rugs or secure them with double-sided tape, and repair broken or loose floorboards.
Give yourself a hand. Install grab bars in showers and tubs and by toilets, use non-slip mats in bathrooms, and add handrails to stairways.
Shed some light. Use brighter light blubs throughout your home and use nightlights in darker areas.
Choose the right shoes. Swap heels, slippers, and shoes with slick soles for sturdy footwear with a good tread.
Check your meds. Certain drugs or combinations of drugs can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falling. Talk to your physician about the medications you take and ask about substitutes if appropriate.
Keep an eye on vision health. It's natural for your vision to change as you get older. Be sure to get annual eye exams and wear glasses or contact lenses when necessary.
Keep moving. Physical activity can strengthen muscles and help improve your balance, coordination, and flexibility. Walking and water-based exercises are good choices; you might also consider trying tai chi, a gentle type of movement that's been shown to improve balance. Talk with your physician before starting any new exercise program.
» Watch our Medical Mondays segment on preventing falls among seniors and find additional fall-related articles.
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Older adults are more prone to falls and fall-related injuries, which can result in decreased mobility and other complications. A simple stumble can result in surgery, medication and physical therapy. Take these steps to help minimize the risk of falling.Read More
