Falls and the elderly: causes and prevention

The Consequences of Falls in the Elderly:

Even a minor fall can have severe consequences in the life of an elderly person. While fractures can be treated, the period of immobilization, or the need for a hospital stay, can lead to a subsequent loss of independence. As people age, it becomes increasingly challenging to regain full mobility, and many seniors become more dependent after experiencing a fall. Therefore, fall prevention remains the best way to preserve the autonomy of older individuals. To achieve this, it's crucial to examine the risk factors that can contribute to falls.

Risk Factors for Falls in the Elderly: What Are the Main Causes?

• Balance Disorders:

• - Older individuals may be more susceptible to balance disorders, often experiencing dizziness when transitioning from sitting to standing or even during walking.

• - Causes of balance disorders can include visual difficulties, eye fatigue, inner ear problems, neurological diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or multiple sclerosis, orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), and the use of certain medications.

• Medications That Increase Fall Risk:

• - Several types of medications are known to exacerbate balance issues and, consequently, the risk of falling.

• - These medications include some painkillers, drugs for incontinence, and antiepileptic medications, which often have sedative effects affecting memory and motor skills.

• - Some antibiotics and cytotoxic drugs used in cancer treatment can cause dizziness leading to loss of balance.

• - Various medications for different conditions, such as antimalarials or antiarrhythmics, may contribute to heart rhythm disturbances or muscle weakness.

• Osteoporosis and Bone Fragility:

• - Osteoporosis is responsible for nearly 400,000 fractures annually in France and is often a leading cause of falls among the elderly.

• - The World Health Organization defines osteoporosis as a disease characterized by low bone density and alterations in bone microarchitecture, resulting in excessive bone fragility and a high risk of fractures.

• - However, osteoporosis is not inevitable, and its progression can be halted or even reversed by adopting the right practices.

• - Prevention plays a crucial role, including tailored physical exercises, an intake of essential vitamins and minerals for bone health, reducing chronic inflammation, and maintaining a sense of balance.

• - Quality and quantity of sleep are also vital factors in preventing osteoporosis, as they affect overall health.

Falls among the elderly represent a significant public health concern. The government's decision to take action through the anti-fall plan is commendable, but we all play a crucial role in raising awareness and adopting preventive measures.

Whether for ourselves or our loved ones, participating in information campaigns, remaining vigilant, and implementing safety measures in the living environment can help reduce the risk of falls and enhance the quality of life for older individuals, whether they live at home or in care facilities.

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