Just recently CBC had a very interesting article on the subject disclosing a number of eye opening statistics, statistics I'm sure many seniors were not aware.
From 2004 to 2008 more than 125,000 seniors in the province of Ontario were admitted to a hospital because of a fall.
It stands to reason as seniors get older they tend to have impairments in balance, in vision, and reflexes. Combine these with osteoporosis where bones become more fragile increasing the risk of broken bones. Most of these falls occur from falls on stairs, slipping, tripping, and stumbling. It has been suggested to make it safer for them use rugs with rubber backing that will stick to the floor, make sure any staircases are clear of clutter, and have hand rails. Keep phones on every floor to prevent rushing to answer, and do exercises to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
Above all use proper lighting.
It should be pointed out 87% of seniors who fell sustained injuries to the head or spine.
Surprising as it seems men falling peaks at the average of 72 whereas women peak at 84.
It has also been suggested seniors should make a point of asking their doctors about risks of any new medications particularly those who take blood thinners could suffer severe consequences from a fall and some blood pressure medication may affect balance. It should also be mentioned the University of British Columbia found that seniors on antidepressants, anti psychotic and sedative hypnotics were 11/2 times more likely to fall compared with those not taking those drugs. The University went on to say 1 in 3 Canadians over 65 experience a fall each year and those over 80 the figure rises to 40%
BE CAREFUL
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