Predicting and identifying the risk factors and initiating prevention measures can prevent falls among older adults, and contribute to healthy aging

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Falls among Older Adults - Prevention
Measures
Predicting and identifying the risk factors and initiating
prevention measures can prevent falls among older adults,
and contribute to healthy aging
Falls among older adults is becoming a common
occurrence. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) each year, one in
every three adults age 65 and older
falls. The most disconcerting fact
about falls among the elderly is that
they can result in serious injuries
which
eventually
limit
independence and affect quality of
life. Predicting and identifying the
risk factors and initiating prevention measures can
contribute to healthy aging.
Falls – Risk Factors
Risk factors for falls can be physical and environmental,
some of which can be eliminated and others, managed.
• Decrease in bone density or osteoporosis which
happens with advancing age
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• Issues such as infection, cardiac arrhythmia, or
dehydration which can signal the onset of conditions
such as dementia, arthritis, and diabetic neuropathy
• Changes vision, gait, balance and strength related to
aging
• Vertigo or dizziness which leads to balance
impairment
• General physical weakness
• Certain types of medication
• Prior falls and the use of an assistive device
• Environmental and other factors such as poor housing,
baths without handles, unsafe walking areas, ill-fitting
shoes, and more
Fall Prevention Measures to Maximize Elderly
Well-being
Falls are preventable. Taking the right precautions can go a
long way in alleviating the disabling conditions that
increase the risk of falls as well as maximize the function
and well-being of older adults. Proper medical and
environmental evaluation by a physician specialized in
gerontology is the first step towards successful fall
prevention. Fall prevention measures to deal with multiple
risk factors may include the following:
• Medication adjustments
• Diagnosis and treatment of new and emerging
symptoms and medical issues
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• Ophthalmologic evaluation to resolve age related
vision ailments such as cataracts and glaucoma
affecting their depth perception, peripheral vision,
visual acuity, and so on
• Physical therapy exercises to improve strength and
range of motion
• Measures to deal with environmental hazards both
inside and outside the house such as installing
handrails on stairs and steps and in the bath, reducing
clutter in all living spaces, using nonskid mats or
carpets in bathrooms, using sturdy step stool in
kitchen, having a nightlight in bedroom, and adequate
lighting in stairways
• Participation in a fall risk and conditioning program
Benefits of a Slip/Fall Prevention Program
One of the best options when it comes to preventing falls
among older adults is participation in the slip/fall
prevention program offered by a professional multispecialty healthcare center. A doctor’s referral is necessary
for enrolment.
A detailed evaluation of the candidate is first performed to
assess both the physical and environmental risk factors.
Advice is provided on dealing with the environmental risk
factors. A customized exercise program is developed to
address the physical factors that contribute to the risk of
falling. In-clinic and home exercises are recommended to
improve strength, balance, walking speed, step length,
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flexibility and cardiovascular fitness. Measures typically
include
• Biodex Isokinetic testing and exercise to improve
strength
• Dynamic balance program to enhance balance
• Gait training
Successful completion of a slip fall risk and conditioning
program with dedicated re-evaluation can help older people
reduce the risk of falls, and stay fit and active longer, and
improve the quality of life.
Posted by HealthQuest
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