Why Do The Elderly Fall: Exploring Causes and Solutions

As the UK population ages, falls among the elderly have become a prevalent and concerning issue. Understanding the reasons behind these falls is crucial to implementing effective preventive measures. In this comprehensive post, we will be delving into the factors contributing to falls among the elderly, and looking at how the YourStride Alarm Watch, with its cutting-edge, automatic fall detection feature, is helping those who have experienced a fall get prompt emergency assistance throughout the UK.

How big an issue are falls among the elderly?

Falls are a significant public health concern for the elderly in the UK. Though exact statistics are hard to come by (due to under-reporting), it is clear that a substantial number of older adults experience falls annually, with many resulting in severe injuries, hospitalisations, and even fatalities.

These falls not only affect physical health but also have profound psychological and social consequences, leading to decreased mobility, loss of independence, and increased fear of falling. Additionally, falls place a considerable economic burden on healthcare systems and families, highlighting the urgent need for effective fall prevention strategies.

What causes the elderly to fall?

The elderly are susceptible to falls due to a combination of physical, environmental, and medical factors. Understanding the reasons behind these falls is essential for promoting their safety and well-being. Here are the primary factors contributing to falls among the elderly:

Age-Related Changes

As we age, our bodies undergo various physiological changes that can contribute to falls. Musculoskeletal changes, such as reduced muscle strength, joint stiffness, and decreased flexibility, can impact balance and stability. The gradual loss of muscle mass and bone density also increases the risk of fractures.

Sensory changes, including a decline in vision, hearing, and proprioception (sense of body position), can also affect an individual's ability to maintain equilibrium. Furthermore, neurological changes, such as impaired balance, slower reflexes, and cognitive decline, may increase the risk of falls.

Environmental Factors

The home environment can pose significant fall hazards for the elderly. Poor lighting, slippery floors, and uneven surfaces are common culprits. Cluttered living spaces can also increase the risk of tripping and falling. It is essential to address these environmental hazards by ensuring adequate lighting in all areas, installing handrails and grab bars, and removing obstacles that could cause trips or slips.

Beyond the home, outdoor hazards, such as uneven pavements and adverse weather conditions, can be dangerous, especially when coupled with inadequate footwear. Additionally, healthcare settings may present risks if facilities and equipment are not properly maintained.

Medical Conditions and Medications

Various medical conditions prevalent among the elderly can predispose them to falls. Osteoporosis and arthritis can weaken bones and joints, making individuals more susceptible to fractures. Diabetes and cardiovascular diseases may affect blood flow, leading to dizziness or fainting spells.

Furthermore, medications prescribed for these conditions and others may have side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, elevating fall risks. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to regularly review and adjust medication regimens to minimise these risks.

Preventing falls in the elderly

Preventing falls among the elderly is crucial for maintaining their independence and overall quality of life. By implementing targeted strategies and interventions, we can significantly reduce the risk of falls in this vulnerable population. Below are essential tips for preventing falls in the elderly:

Home Modifications

Modifying the home environment to enhance safety is an essential step in fall prevention. Ensuring adequate lighting in all areas will minimise tripping hazards, as will removing clutter and securing loose rugs and carpets to the floor.

Installing handrails, grab bars, and non-slip mats in bathrooms and along staircases can offer crucial support for elderly individuals. Additionally, arranging furniture in a way that allows for clear pathways and removing obstacles from high-traffic areas can reduce the risk of falls.

Regular Exercise and Physical Therapy

Exercise plays a vital role in maintaining muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as strength training and balance exercises, can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Activities like Tai Chi and yoga also promote flexibility and enhance overall stability.

For a personalised approach to fall prevention, working with a physical therapist can be highly beneficial. They can develop an exercise program tailored to an individual's specific needs and provide guidance on proper technique and progression.

YourStride’s customer success manager, Ollie Laver, was previously a personal trainer, and he’s written a great blog featuring some handy tips on staying strong in older age. Be sure to check it out here

Vision and Hearing Checks

Regular eye examinations are essential for identifying and addressing visual impairments that may contribute to falls. Ensuring proper vision correction can improve spatial awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.

Similarly, hearing assessments are crucial as untreated hearing loss can impact communication and balance. The use of hearing aids or other assistive devices, when necessary, can enhance an individual's safety and overall well-being.

Medication Review

Consulting healthcare professionals for regular medication reviews is crucial in fall prevention. Certain medications, such as sedatives, tranquilisers, and some blood pressure medications, can increase the risk of falls due to their side effects.

Your doctor can assess the potential risks and benefits of these medications and make appropriate adjustments to minimise fall risk. It is important for individuals to communicate openly with their healthcare providers about all the medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

The Importance of Timely Assistance in Fall Situations

The urgency of response in fall situations cannot be overstated. Prompt assistance can greatly reduce the severity of injuries and improve outcomes. Delayed response can prolong suffering and lead to complications. Below, we look at the importance of providing prompt assistance to the elderly who experience falls, emphasising the impact it has on their physical and psychological health, as well as the preservation of their independence.

Physical Health

When an elderly person experiences a fall, immediate assistance becomes vital in reducing the severity of injuries and improving recovery outcomes. Timely medical attention can prevent further complications and enable healthcare professionals to evaluate and address any potential fractures, head injuries, or internal bleeding that may have occurred. By providing prompt assistance, we can significantly minimise the impact of falls on their physical health, enhancing their chances of a faster and more complete recovery.

Psychological Well-Being

Falls not only impact the physical health of older adults but also have a profound psychological effect. After a fall, it’s common for an elderly individual to experience anxiety, fear, and a loss of confidence in their ability to carry out daily activities independently. Prompt assistance can help alleviate these psychological burdens.

When aid is delivered promptly, it provides reassurance and comfort, reducing anxiety levels. Moreover, timely assistance allows for immediate communication with healthcare professionals and family members, fostering a sense of security and emotional support.

Prevention and Early Intervention

Timely assistance in fall situations not only aids in addressing immediate concerns but also plays a crucial role in preventing future falls. When an elderly person experiences a fall, it serves as a warning sign that underlying health issues or environmental hazards need to be addressed. By providing prompt assistance, caregivers and healthcare professionals can identify and mitigate potential risk factors, such as poor balance, muscle weakness, medication side effects, or hazards in the living environment.

Early intervention can lead to the implementation of appropriate preventive measures, such as exercise programs, home modifications, or medication adjustments. Timely assistance acts as a catalyst for fall prevention strategies, ensuring the safety and well-being of older adults in the long term.

Preservation of Independence

Independence is highly valued by older adults, and falls can have a significant impact on their ability to live autonomously. Timely assistance in fall situations can prevent a temporary setback from turning into a permanent loss of independence.

Receiving immediate help may be the reason why an elderly individual avoids an extended hospital stay, lengthy rehabilitation process, or the need for long-term care. By addressing falls promptly and effectively, we can support their desire to remain self-reliant and enable them to continue living in their own homes, surrounded by familiar environments and cherished memories.

The YourStride Alarm Watch is specifically designed to provide immediate access to help. By promptly connecting individuals with the monitoring team, it ensures that appropriate assistance reaches the wearer without unnecessary delays. The watch works in various settings, whether at home, in the garden, or while out and about, further enhancing safety and peace of mind.

Getting Emergency Help Promptly: More information on the YourStride Alarm Watch

The YourStride Fall Alarm Watch is a state-of-the-art personal alarm device designed to provide immediate assistance in the event of a fall. This innovative watch offers peace of mind for both the wearer and their family members. With a simple click of a button, individuals can speak directly through the watch to a dedicated 24/7 monitoring team. Based on the situation, the monitoring team can dispatch the appropriate help, including contacting emergency services or reaching out to named contacts.

The YourStride Alarm Watch also incorporates a fall detection feature, providing additional reassurance to users and their families. When the watch detects a fall an emergency call is automatically made to our 24/7 monitoring team, ensuring prompt assistance.

Falls among the elderly present a significant challenge in the UK, but with proactive measures, their occurrence can be reduced. By understanding the causes of falls and implementing appropriate preventive strategies, we can help our elderly loved ones maintain their independence and well-being.

The YourStride Alarm Watch serves as an invaluable tool, offering quick and efficient emergency response during fall incidents. Its advanced features, including emergency calling and fall detection, provide reassurance for both wearers and their families. Invest in the safety and peace of mind of your elderly loved ones with the YourStride Alarm Watch.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice.