If you or an older friend or relative has fallen, you are not alone. The risk of falling and the associated injuries increases with age. Approximately one third of those aged 65 and older have experienced a fall. Every year, over 1.6 million older Americans are admitted to the emergency department for fall related injuries such as hip, arm, pelvic, and spinal fractures. Hip fractures can be the most dangerous and debilitating type of injury associated with this event. Hip fractures are often associated with many medical problems and even death within the aging population. Approximately 50% of people who have fractured a hip will not be able to return home to care for themselves.
Falls are often a result of risk factors and diseases that are associated with the aging process. Leg weakness, slowed reflexes, and unstable balance are key factors that more than double the risk of falling. These feelings of unsteadiness may be a consequence of arthritis, stroke, or Parkinson’s disease. Many adults experience a drop in blood pressure after rising quickly from a sitting or lying position. This drop in blood pressure can lead to dizziness thereby increasing the risk of falling. Vision problems such as cataracts and glaucoma can also increase the risk of an accident. Medication side effects and drug interactions can be especially dangerous risk factors for falling. Simply talking to your doctor or pharmacist can eliminate many risk factors. They may also suggest some easy lifestyle changes that can prevent you from falling.
Five Ways to Prevent Falls
Have a doctor or pharmacist review your medications including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal supplements to ensure that your medications will not increase your risk of falling by causing dizziness, confusion, or extreme tiredness. Make sure to tell your doctor or pharmacist about any side effects from your medications that make you feel make you unsteady on your feet.
Consider starting an exercise program. Regular physical activity is a first line defense against falls and fractures. Activities such as walking, water aerobics, or tai chi are gentle exercises that can increase your strength, flexibility, and balance. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
Get a vision check-up. Even small changes in vision can decrease your stability and balance. If you get new glasses, use caution while you adjust to them.
Make you your home a “fall free” zone. Remove hazardous clutter from your home walkways such as boxes, newspapers, and any electrical cords. Remove throw rugs or secure them with slip resistant backing or double-sided tape. Store every day items such as clothing and food within easy reach. This can prevent you from standing on a stool and possibly falling when trying to retrieve an item. It is also important to make sure that your home is well lit by installing night-lights in the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and hallways.
Use any necessary assistance devices. Your doctor may recommend that you use a cane or walker to help with your stability, especially on uneven surfaces. It may also be beneficial to install bars outside your bathtub or shower and sturdy handrails on both sides of stairways. If you or an older family member or friend live alone, it may be beneficial to instill a personal emergency response system. This system provides a button to wear at all times in your home. In case of a fall, emergency services can be alerted with the press of a button. Alternatively, a portable phone may be carried in case assistance is needed.
Many older adults are afraid of falling. It is important that this fear does not limit your daily routine and social activities. On the other hand, if you have fallen in the past, it is important to tell your doctor so he or she can determine if a medical cause was to blame. By talking to your doctor and implementing some preventative measures you can be sure to land on your feet!
Source: Falls and Older Adults. NIH Senior Health. www.nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/08.htm
Kristin Kouski, Pharm.D.
