Millions of adults aged 65 and older fall every year. Although anyone can fall, falls become increasingly more frequent and problematic for older people and those from high falls risk populations, particularly when accompanied by a serious health problem that may require hospitalisation. To start with, coordinators Dr. Skelton and Professor Todd of the Prevention of Falls Network Europe (ProFouND) define fall as an event which results in the person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or other lower level, and other than as a consequence of the following: sustaining a violent blow, loss of consciousness, sudden onset of paralysis, or an epileptic seizure.

Who are at Risk?

Healthcare professionals state that the majority of falls are not reported and statistics for falls are usually dependent on self-reported events. Nevertheless, we can still have a brief summary of fall incidence from the existing literature. The following are falls incidence statistics from various data in different countries:

30% of people over 65 and 50% of those over 80 fall each year
20 – 30% of those who fall suffer injuries that lessen mobility and independence and increase the risk of premature death
Falls are a contributing factor in 40% of admissions to residential care units
About 10% of falls result in serious injury (1,33), of which 5% Approximately half of all fallers who fracture their hips are never functional walkers again and 20% will die within six months are fractures
Most non-injurious falls (75%-80%) are never reported to health professionals

Risk for Falling and Normal Aging

Falls and fall-related injuries are common health problems all over the world. The severity and frequency of falls are prevalent among elder people and frequently happening at home. A person is more likely to fall as age progresses. Aging takes its toll on our body and we find ourselves limited by the aging changes in the body. The type of physical activity and common sense are major factors in avoiding falls, especially among older people.

Risk factors for falling are divided into three categories – intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors and exposure to risk. Intrinsic factors include age, gender, ethnicity, prescriptions, history of falling, medical condition, declining physical condition, lifestyle, psychological status, visual impairments, and living condition (i.e. living alone or type of housing occupied). Extrinsic factors include the environmental hazards, footwear and clothing, and inappropriate assistive devices or walking aids. Exposure to risk is the interaction of the type and extent of environmental challenges to the person’s intrinsic factors.

What Medical conditions are link to falling?

We cannot dismiss the fact that physical changes and deteriorating health conditions are part of aging – poor eyesight, weakened muscle, and reduced reaction time are typical characteristics of aging. This fact puts the elderly at a higher risk and at the top in the high-risk population when it comes to falling. Medical conditions fall under the intrinsic factors the can raise the risk of falling as mentioned earlier. Health problems such as heart disease, chronic bronchitis, depression and arthritis are each associated with an increased risk. Thus, if you have the following you are at risk of falling:

Circulatory disease,
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Depression and incontinence
Arthritis
Thyroid dysfunction
Diabetes
Parkinson’s disease

Everyone gets old eventually but aging does not equate to falling or fall-related injuries. There are several things that you can do to help reduce the risk of falling. Following the recommendation of your healthcare specialist is just one of the many ways to avoid falls and remain independent. An old person can have his or her own therapist at home so everyday activities can be monitored and assisted. Maintaining a safer environment might be enough for the young adults but not so among the elderly. Most of the time, they need assistance and a general exercise program to improve their balance, muscle strength and gait.

Falling shouldn’t be regarded as something that is not serious. Our physical condition may be fine, but we don’t know what’s happening inside. Young adults may have the capacity to bear the discomfort and healing abilities are at its peak, but the elderly can have a hard time dealing with the pain or discomfort after a fall. In this case, a visit to a falls clinic or consultation from a healthcare specialist is recommended.