As we age, simple activities of daily life can become challenges to us. From ascending stairs and doing laundry to simply driving across town to the grocery, the things we used to consider to be commonplace have now become hurdles to overcome.
Tn Requin Some Sobering Facts About Senior Falls
Nearly three quarters of accidental deaths in people over the age of 75 result from falls
We spend over $19 billion in medical costs each year on accidents attributable to falls
40 of all nursing home admissions are attributable to repeated falls at home
1 out of every 3 seniors who lives independently in their homes will seek medical care for a major fall each year
One in four seniors who suffer hip fractures will die within one year
About a third of those who experience a major fall ever return to the level of functionality they enjoyed prior to the fall
What Happens When Seniors Fall?chaussure puma
The obvious answer to that questions is “They get hurt” but the truth is a bit more complicated and threatening. First, the injuries can be more serious. Older bones are usually more brittle due to osteoporosis and likely to break. Consequently, a fall that would have been easily enough brushed off in our younger days turns into a broken hip or worse.
Second, we heal more slowly and less completely as we age. In some cases, bones may not heal at all. This can leave the victim bedridden or in an otherwise compromised state.
Third, and perhaps more ominous is the psychological and social impact of the fall. Even an insignificant fall can leave the victim of the fall in an altered mental state. Now afraid of falling again, the senior may retract from the activity that led to the fall. This can even trigger a wider scale reduction in all activities. While sitting still may seem like a prudent response to a fall, the effect can be devastating. As it turns out, lack of activity can lead to muscle atrophy, negative impact on balance and loss of muscle memory which can lead to more falls.
The self imposed isolation sometimes caused by a fall can be as detrimental to a person’s mental state as the fall is to their physical state. The fear of potentially falling again can cause seniors to forgo social and intellectual pursuits. In some cases a senior may avoid going out in public following a fall related injury to avoid rousing questions about their ability to continue to live independently. In any case, human contact is a necessary part of life. Its absence can lead to depression and other mental afflictions and can aggravate some existing mental issues.
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons say “She says she wants to keep living in her home. We say it starts by keeping her on her feet.” What this means is that the surest way to avoid falls is to stay physically active. Maintain your muscle tone, stay agile and flexible.
Author Resource:-
Joe Tirio is the President of Monarch Senior Care, Inc. A member of The Senior's Choice senior Care network, Monarch Senior Care provides in-home Senior care services to the residents of Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. You can reach Monarch at 888 672 7060 or at chaussure timberland Care@MonarchSeniorCare.comhostgator
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