Falls - the number one killer of the elderly

This is the 5038th article of Da Yi Xiao Hu

Grandma Li is 65 years old this year. She is in good health, efficient, and has a wide range of hobbies. She can buy groceries, cook, and take care of her mother and daughter. In her spare time, she can also dance square dance with her old friends, which is very happy. On a quiet afternoon, Grandma Li was preparing dinner at home. Suddenly, she heard the doorbell ring and hurried to open the door. Just as she turned around, her feet were tripped by an electric wire and she fell heavily to the ground. Grandma Li felt a sharp pain and couldn't stand up. Fortunately, the neighbors heard the noise, came to help, and called the emergency number. After examination at the hospital, Grandma Li had a hip fracture and needed surgery and long-term rehabilitation. From then on, the lives of Grandma Li and her family were completely changed because of this fall.

Do you think aging is a nightmare for the elderly?

Wrong, falling is

Severity of the fall

Grandma Li's story is not an isolated case. Elderly people often fall accidentally due to factors such as decreased physical function, multiple diseases and medication. The global fall rate for people over 65 years old is 28% to 35%, and the fall rate for people over 70 years old is as high as 32% to 42%. The disability rate after falling is high. 52.6% of the elderly will suffer hip fractures, hand/arm fractures, head injuries and other injuries after falling. Among them, the incidence of hip fractures after falling for people over 80 years old is as high as 12.4%. Even if 50% of patients undergo rapid surgical treatment, without effective rehabilitation support, they will suffer permanent disability, which will bring heavy economic burden to society and families. Falling is currently the leading cause of death due to injury among people over 65 years old in China. So we call falling the "number one killer" of the elderly.

Why are older people more likely to fall?

There are many reasons why the elderly fall, including both internal physiological factors and external environmental factors.

1. Internal factors

1. Decreased gait and balance function: As people age, their gait stability and balance function gradually decline, which can easily lead to falls.

2. Decreased central control ability: The elderly have slower reaction speed and weakened coordination ability, which increases the risk of falling.

2. External factors

1. Home environment: Electrical wires, carpets, furniture, etc. in the home may become tripping hazards.

2. Insufficient lighting: An environment with insufficient lighting can easily cause the elderly to have difficulty seeing the road, increasing the possibility of falling.

How to prevent falls in the elderly?

1. Improve physical fitness

Balance training: such as Tai Chi, yoga, etc., can enhance balance ability.

Strength training: Proper leg and core muscle exercises to increase muscle strength.

2. Improving the family environment

Remove obstacles: Keep floors clear and remove tripping items.

Use walking aids: Install handrails in bathrooms, stairs, etc., and use a walker when necessary.

Improve lighting: Make sure your home is well-lit, especially in areas where falls are common, such as hallways, bathrooms, and kitchens.

3. Rational use of drugs

Medication management: Take medications as recommended by your doctor and avoid the effects of medications on balance.

Talk to your doctor: Learn about drug side effects and interactions

4. Regular health check-ups

Physical Examination: Get a comprehensive physical examination every year to detect and treat health problems that affect your balance.

Bone density testing: prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.

What should you do after a fall?

If an older person does fall, here are some tips for dealing with it:

1. Keep calm

Don't rush to get up: first check if you have any injuries and determine the injured part.

Call for help: If you are seriously injured, call your family or emergency number immediately.

2. How to stand up by yourself (if you are not seriously injured)

Roll sideways: Slowly roll sideways, trying to get your body into a prone position.

Get up on all fours: Using your hands and knees, slowly stand up and find the nearest support, such as a chair or couch.

3. Medical examination

Check your injuries: Even if you feel fine after the fall, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a check-up to make sure there are no internal injuries or broken bones.

Falls are the number one killer of the elderly, but by improving the home environment, exercising regularly, having regular checkups and using medications appropriately, we can effectively prevent falls. Let us always pay attention to the safety of the elderly and help them enjoy a healthy and happy old age! Preventing falls starts with every detail, so that the elderly can have a safe and happy life!

References:

[1] World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative[J]. Age and Ageing, 2022, 51:1-36

[2] [People’s Daily] Seven institutions issued “Joint Tips on Fall Prevention for the Elderly” [EB/OL]. https://m.chinacdc.cn/xwzx/mtbd/201906/t20190617_203274.html 2019-6-17/2024-4-29

[3] Technical Guidelines for Intervention of Falls in the Elderly[J]. China Practical Rural Doctors Journal, 2012, 19(8): 1-13. DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-7185.2012.08.001.

Shanghai Health Science Popularization Project, project number JKKPZX-2024-A13

Unit: Shanghai Geriatrics Center

Author: Gu Jingan

Reviewer: Fang Hao