While we tend to be most concerned about frail seniors and falling, seniors who appear strong and healthy can be susceptible to falls in the home as well. Normal changes that occur as people age—changes in eyesight, decreased muscle strength, etc.—can make older adults more prone to falling.
According to the CDC, 20-30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries including fractures or head traumas. There are many other factors that can make your loved ones more susceptible to falls. These include:
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis (This bone density issue can affect both women and men, and weak bones can make even minor falls dangerous.) The National Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that more than 10 million Americans age 50 and above have osteoporosis, and another 34 million are at risk. Osteoporosis increases a person’s risk of fracturing a hip (CDC).
- Vertigo
- Cerebrovascular insufficiency
- Neurologic disability (stroke)
- Postural hypotension (sudden decrease in blood pressure)
- Illness
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Medication that causes dizziness
Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk of falling (CDC).
While falls are a serious issue among the elderly, fear of falling should not keep seniors from being active. Make sure your loved one has a bone mineral density test to assess the strength of his or her bones and take measures to improve strength if bones are weak. If you have any questions about how to help prevent falls in the home, call Independence-4-Seniors at 630-323-4665, or fill out our simple contact form online!