Seniors’ health While falls are common among seniors, many incidents can be avoided, says expert
Falls are the leading cause of admissions to hospitals for seniors in Alberta, an injury expert recently told Alberta Women’s Institute members, most of them seniors.
Injuries from falls comprise 78 percent of seniors admitted to hospital, compared to only four percent from motor vehicle collisions, said Sharon Schooler with the University of Alberta’s Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research.
“One in three seniors will fall at least once a year. If you fall once, you are twice as likely to fall again,” Schooler told the AWI convention in Camrose.
Read Also
Canada’s rural crime problem far from fixed
Farmers on the Prairies are worried about crime rates and safety, but an effective approach to meaningfully reduce rural crime remains out of reach so far.
However, Schooler said falls are not a normal part of aging, and many can be prevented.
She said seniors often brush off the falls as a “silly thing,” but they should tell their doctor or a family member when they happen.
Seniors often lose confidence once they fall and are afraid it will happen again.
They stop going out and their life begins a downward spiral.
Falls are caused by improper footwear, low blood pressure, depression, vision problems, medication, nutrition, dizziness and a lack of activity. Schooler said seniors can control risk factors with the following measures:
- Have medication reassessed annually by a doctor or pharmacist, including over the counter and herbal remedies.
- Exercise to keep the body stronger.
- Throw away loose throw rugs that can be tripping hazards.
- Talk to a doctor or family member about dizziness.
- Use only one pharmacist and never use someone else’s medication.
- Watch your step. Beware of hazards such as rough sidewalks or ice and wear appropriate footwear.
- Install grab bars in the bath, shower and toilet.
- Get up slowly if you are dizzy.
She also said keeping active by doing 30 minutes of exercise a day is key to keeping strong
“Just keep your body moving.”
Karen Sack of the Drayton Valley WI recommended seniors embrace technology and always carry a cellphone in case they fall.
“It allows you to regain your self- confidence if you do have a fall,” she said.
Marg Velichko of Kneehill Valley WI recommended women discard their high heeled shoes and wear sensible footwear.
“It becomes a necessity and is common sense,” she said.
