ARE you 65 years or older? Or do you know someone who is? Do you want to do something to help yourself or your loved one live a longer, better quality life? If your answer is yes, I would strongly advise that you keep reading.
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I’m sure you are well aware that Australia has an ageing population. It is predicted that those aged 65 years and over will double by 2040. With those aged over 85 expected to increase threefold.
A fact many people would not be aware of is that the older population is currently costing the health care system a lot of money. A recent study, commissioned by NSW Health, found that for the financial year 2006/07, the total cost of health care due to fall-related injuries in older residents was $560 million.
With that in mind, let’s talk about falls. A fall is defined as “an unexpected event in which the participant comes to rest on the ground”. Falls can have widespread physical and psychological consequences; namely avoidance of activity, loss of functional ability, loss of confidence, worry about loss of independence and perceived poor health. The number of falls a person has increases with age and with level of frailty, as well as number of co-morbidities.
Whilst the majority of fall-related injuries are minor, serious injury and death can occur. In 2010-2012 fall-related injury accounted for 70 per cent of all injury deaths for people aged 65 and over. The most common specific injury type due to falls is a hip fracture; an injury that can be tremendously debilitating for an elderly person. Risk factors for falls can come from within the individual; such as having decreased strength, reduced ability to move freely, declined vision or poor balance.
However, external factors such as the physical environment, footwear or type of flooring can also play a role.
To minimise the likelihood of an individual experiencing a potentially life-changing fall, fall and injury preventative measures can be implemented. Older people should engage in daily physical activity, the home environment should be assessed for external factors that could contribute to falls; vision impairment should be assessed and treated, and closed in shoes should be worn at all times for those at risk.
A physiotherapist is an essential part of falls prevention. We can assist by fitting and offering education on the use of appropriate assistive devices to aid mobility. We can also prevent deterioration of strength and balance by providing appropriate exercise regimes. Don’t let yourself or your loved one become at risk of falls.
Prevention is possible.