Outline
- Introduction
- Why do the elderly fall often?
- How can physiotherapy protect our elderly from falls
- Takeaway
Introduction
Falls are one of the most frequent and major causes of disability, particularly among the elderly. 1
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a fall as an event in which you come to rest unexpectedly on the ground or other lower level. Falls can cause both severe and minor injuries. Falls can lower your quality of life and increase healthcare costs. 5
Every year, more than 30% of people over 65 years experience a fall. There are repeated falls in almost half of them. For those 85 years of age and older, the number rises to about 40%. Severe injuries, such as hip fractures, other fractures, or traumatic brain damage, occur from falls in about 10% of cases. 1
Why do the elderly fall often?
The most frequent victims of falls-related injuries are older persons. Most older persons fall because they trip, fall, or slip; this is especially true if they live in an undesirable environment. 6
The fall can also happen due to age-related factors such as
- The improper use of assistive devices, especially for those above 80 years,
- Muscle weakness due to aging or medication
- Disturbances in balance and gait
- Postural hypotension
- Chronic diseases
- Impaired vision
- Osteoarthritis
- Dizziness. 5
Falls are the primary reason older adults are hospitalized and can lead to death. However, falls are entirely preventable.
How Can Physiotherapy Protect Your Elderly People From Falls?
Falls risk screening is the act of determining your chances of falling and categorizing it as low or high risk.
The physiotherapist’s job is to collaborate with other health professionals to screen potential causes or risks of falls and thoroughly manage the problems. 3 Physiotherapy focuses on preventing falls and related injuries while optimizing functional ability.
When working with older adults, here are the four primary physiotherapy goals.
- The most effective remedy is to improve mobility, balance, and strength to prevent falls.
- They are trained to cope with subsequent falls and to limit the impacts of lying there for long. Also, teach them how to get off the floor, call for help, and stay warm.
- Making sure their living space is as safe as possible.
- Restoring confidence and self-esteem to improve their quality of life. 3
The following interventions can help achieve the physiotherapy goals for preventing falls among older adults: 4
- Tai-chi
- Balance training
- Endurance training
- Resistance exercises
- Coordination training
- Combination exercises (simultaneous strength, endurance, and balance training) 2
Conclusion
Fall can be a threat to the life of the older people. Don’t wait for your loved elderly one to fall before consulting a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and exercise. Physiotherapy fall prevention strategies can be standard and individualized, depending on your needs. Physiotherapy is vital in managing and preventing falls and its consequences among the elderly.
References
Appeadu MK, Bordoni B. Falls and Fall Prevention in Older Adults. [Updated 2023 Jun 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560761/
Cadore, E. L., Rodríguez-Mañas, L., Sinclair, A., & Izquierdo, M. (2013). Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review. Rejuvenation research, 16(2), 105–114. https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2012.1397
Falls. (2024, May 14). Physiopedia, . Retrieved 11:22, July 3, 2024 from https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php?title=Falls&oldid=354341.
Salari, N., Darvishi, N., Ahmadipanah, M., Shohaimi, S., & Mohammadi, M. (2022). Global prevalence of falls in the older adults: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of orthopaedic surgery and research, 17(1), 334.
Vaishya, R., & Vaish, A. (2020). Falls in Older Adults are Serious. Indian journal of orthopaedics, 54(1), 69–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43465-019-00037-x