Senior Wellbeing: How Falls Can Pose Hidden Dangers
The Risks of Falling
Among senior citizens, falling is a significant yet often overlooked issue. The World Health Organisation reports that falls cause about 684,000 deaths globally each year, making this the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths after road accidents.
Notably, adults over age 60 account for the highest number of fatal falls, underscoring the urgent need for prevention and awareness among this vulnerable group.
Causes of Falls
Consultant geriatrician Dr Edward Chong Kah Chun said physical decline is a major cause of falls, as ageing leads to muscle weakness, sensory loss, and certain diseases such as dementia, gout, arthritis, and diabetes.
"These intrinsic factors increase the likelihood of falls, while extrinsic factors such as environmental hazards also play a crucial role. This is in addition to common dangers in homes and public spaces such as slippery floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces that can significantly contribute to the risk of falling," he said.
Medical Factors
Chong added that certain medications could also contribute to falls by causing dizziness. "For example, anti-hypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure make falls more likely, while vision and hearing problems further add to mobility challenges."
Consequences of Falls
Falls, he highlighted, could cause fractures or head trauma, which often require urgent medical attention. "Beyond physical harm, they lead to emotional and psychological effects such as the fear of falling, which could make seniors less active, weakening their muscles and increasing their risk of future falls."
Injuries from Falls
According to Chong, injuries are common and tend to be more severe as people age. Over half of all falls result in at least one minor injury, such as a bruise, sprained ligament, or strained muscle. More serious injuries include broken bones, torn ligaments, deep cuts, and damage to organs such as the kidney or liver.
Delayed Complications
If a senior person who has fallen is left unattended, it could lead to delayed complications such as dehydration, pressure sores, internal bleeding, or infections, which could in turn develop into serious health problems if not promptly addressed.
Mitigating Risks
To reduce the risk of falling, Chong suggests several preventive measures, including reviewing medication to minimize side effects such as dizziness or imbalance; and creating a safer home environment with simple adjustments, such as removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and installing grab bars in key areas like bathrooms.
Prevention Strategies
He also advocates wearing proper footwear such as covered shoes with non-slip soles that provide far better stability than slippers or slip-ons.
Chong further recommends that older adults engage in regular strength and balance exercises, such as tai chi, qigong, yoga, and sit-to-stand exercises, which can help improve physical stability and allow the senior person to regain confidence.
Conclusion
Ultimately, awareness of the risks of falls among seniors is essential, and families and communities must proactively protect this group and promote health initiatives in geriatric care. "Ensuring the safety of our seniors is not just a medical responsibility but a societal one," he concluded.
FAQs
- What are the most common causes of falls among seniors?
- Physical decline, sensory loss, and certain diseases such as dementia, gout, arthritis, and diabetes.
- What are some common environmental hazards that can contribute to falls?
- Slippery floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces.
- How can medication contribute to falls?
- Certain medications such as anti-hypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure can cause dizziness or imbalance.
- What are some prevention strategies for falls?
- Reviewing medication, creating a safer home environment, wearing proper footwear, and engaging in regular strength and balance exercises.