Fall-related injuries are a major cause of emergency department admissions for people aged 65 years and over. They also affect quality of life and can lead to long-term complications such as fear of falling and institutionalization.Falls can be prevented by removing tripping hazards from the home, taking medications that don’t cause dizziness or confusion and exercising regularly.Age-related declineA major factor in recurrent falls is age-related decline. This includes loss of muscle mass (known as sarcopenia) and changes in balance and coordination. A history of previous falls and fear of falling can also increase the risk of a fall.Other factors include tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter, and unsteady steps. Many older people may not get enough exercise or eat well, and this can lead to weight loss, which in turn increases the risk of falling. They should also minimize medications that increase the risk of a fall, such as sedatives and antidepressants.Decreased mobilityMany primary care physicians overlook mobility issues in older adults. They are so concerned with heart and lung problems that they don’t screen for mobility difficulties. Falls can have devastating consequences for the elderly. Even without serious injuries, they can make the person feel less independent and may lead to a hip fracture. This could force them to live at home permanently with a cane or walker, which can increase the risk of other falls.Fear of falling can also limit movement, causing joints to stiffen and muscles to weaken. This can cause a cycle of increasing disability and deteriorating health.Unsafe footwearIn addition to health-based factors, unsafe footwear is one of the most common fall risk factors for seniors. Shoes should be sturdy and slip-resistant, and should fit comfortably – especially in the toe area. Shoes that are too loose or too tight can lead to foot pain and increase a senior’s risk of falling.A recent study of older people attending a geriatric day hospital found that a significant proportion of participants were wearing footwear larger than recommended, and that they were more likely to experience serious injuries from falls in their own homes. This is the first study to examine the relationship between footwear and home-based injury.MedicationsMany elderly patients don’t volunteer their history of falls. However, they should, given the seriousness of falling and its high rate of recurrence. Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and disability in older adults. While some risk factors are unavoidable, others can be prevented or corrected. personal alert safety system A common cause of recurrent falls is medications that increase the risk for falling, including sedatives and antidepressants. Your doctor may be able to recommend alternatives that provide the same benefits while decreasing fall risk. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of each medication before deciding whether or not to continue or change its use.InfectionsFalling is a major health and societal issue for older adults. It is the primary cause of injury-related visits to emergency departments and accounts for 70 percent of accidental deaths in persons over 65 years. Falls can lead to serious injuries, including fractures and loss of independence.A recent study analyzing responses from 872 individuals aged 65-98 showed that the number of chronic diseases was related to fall risk. personal alarm for elderly nz The study used a hierarchical clustering method to identify combinations of conditions that increase fall risk. The participants in the low chronic disease cluster were younger, more physically active and had fewer geriatric conditions.ConfusionConfusion may be a normal part of aging, but if a loved one suddenly becomes very confused or delirious, it should be considered a medical emergency and they should be assessed by a doctor right away. In many cases, the confusion will resolve once an underlying issue has been treated.To help doctors diagnose the cause of a person’s sudden confusion, they will ask questions about their memory and check if they know the date, time and location. It’s important to stay with them and surround them in a calm environment while waiting for treatment.Fear of fallingA fear of falling can be paralyzing for elderly people. It can prevent them from engaging in activities and even from leaving their home, and it can lead to depression. This can also limit exercise, which in turn decreases strength and balance. It’s important for families to encourage their elderly loved ones to stay active.Multiple studies have shown that both previous falls and fear of falling predict limitations in daily activities. Moreover, these factors are independent of the actual number of fall events. The results suggest that FoF is an independent predictor of quality of life (QoL) in elderly and seems to be more important than actual fall events.