On a park bench, two elderly friends talk to each other. One complained about the recent fall, and his voice revealed concern: "I slipped and fell in the supermarket the other day, but luckily I wasn't seriously injured. Another nodded in agreement: "I'm worried about this too, it's not a trivial matter to fall at our age." ”
Such conversations are not uncommon among older age groups. Falling, for them, is not only a physical pain, but also a serious challenge to their ability to live independently. So, how can you effectively prevent and respond to falls?
Falls are not a simple fall event, and for older adults, it can mean potentially serious consequences. According to statistics, the proportion of fractures caused by falls in the elderly is as high as 25%, and half of these fractures occur at home. Behind these numbers lies a stark reality:Falls can not only lead to physical harm, but can also trigger a range of complications, such as prolonged bed rest, reduced mobility, and even mental health problems.
Take, for example, hip fractures, which are one of the most common serious injuries after falls in older adults. Hip fractures not only require a long period of time, but can also lead to a drastic decrease in the patient's quality of life. Studies have shown that about 20% of older people lose the ability to live independently within one year after a fall.
Falls are not an accident in older adults, but are the result of a combination of factors. First of all, as we age, the body's ability to balance gradually declines. This is because the balance organs of the inner ear and the coordination of the brain weaken with age. For example,One study showed that nearly one-third of people over the age of 65 fell at least once a year.
Weakened muscle strength is also an important factor in falls。As we age, muscle mass and strength gradually decrease, which makes it more difficult to maintain physical stability and quick reflexes to avoid falls. For example, when climbing stairs or getting up from a chair, muscle support is weakened, increasing the risk of falls.
In addition to physiological factors, safety hazards in the home environment are also causes of falls that cannot be ignored. Slippery floors, scattered carpet edges, electrical wiring, and other small items can all be "killers" of falls. Many of the cases of falls in the home are caused by these seemingly innocuous little things.
Falls, especially in the home, are a serious problem for older adults. Statistics show that more than half of all falls happen at home. Therefore, the focus is on transforming the home environment to make it a safer space.
First, focus on the ground. Slippery ground is a common cause of falls. Non-slip floor mats are recommended, especially in places where water tends to accumulate, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Also, keep the floor clean and tidy to avoid tripping due to clutter, such as books, wires, and rugs.
Second, consider the furniture layout. Make sure the walkway is wide and unobstructed, especially for frequently traveled paths. The corners of the furniture should be rounded to reduce the risk of bruises.
Again,Install appropriate ancillary facilities。For example, install handrails in stairs and bathrooms to provide stable support. Bedside handrails can also be considered for use when you get up.