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SINGAPORE : As we age, a fall is likely to cause more than just embarrassment or a bruised knee.
Falls among the elderly are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and hospital admissions.
Dr Noor Hafizah Ismail, a senior consultant at Tan Tock Seng Hospital’s department of geriatric medicine, said as many as one in three people above the age of 65 will have a fall each year, with 62 per cent of these requiring hospital admissions. About 10 per cent of elderly patients who do have a fall will sustain serious injuries while 1 to 2 per cent will fracture their hip.
Among those who have a fracture, about half will have “poor walking ability or will not be able to walk again” post-fall, added Dr Ismail.
Furthermore, elderly people who do have a fall may become so fearful of falling again that they end up limiting their activities, leading to more problems.
“They can become socially isolated as they stop going out and doing activities that they used to do. This can also lead to depression,” she said.
Older people are at a higher risk of falling because they have a poorer balance, gait and vision.
“As one ages, there are physical bodily changes which make the elderly more predisposed to falling. These changes include reduced muscle strength, decreased lung capacity, reduced speed and flexibility which lead to slower reflexes,” explained Dr Ismail.
Dr Lydia Au, a consultant at Alexandra Hospital’s department of geriatric medicine, added that a decline in balance, gait and vision could also occur as a result of neurological or chronic illnesses, including arthritis and cataract.
Even so, both doctors said they often encounter elderly patients who are too stubborn to take precautions so that they do not have a fall.
“Most of the time, they don’t think that falls are a big deal until something disastrous happens,” said Dr Au.
Safety precautions can reduce the risk of falling, but more importantly, Dr Au said that “frequent fallers” and caregivers should note if “there is a pattern to the falls” and see a doctor for any medical conditions that have not been picked up.
Within the home, safety measures include adequate lighting, ensuring that proper equipment such as grab bars and non-slip mats in the toilet, and staircase rails are in place. Making sure that the walkway is clutter-free and the floor is dry may also reduce the chances of falling.
“Also, Japanese slippers and flip-flops are a no-no for the elderly,” said Dr Au. She advised an older person to wear non-slip, wide-toe and low-heeled shoes or sandals.
Ultimately, Dr Ismail said that mindsets that falls are “no big deal” must be changed.
“The elderly are sometimes unaware of their limitations. They are often quite ingrained in their habits and will not change their way of doing things. They should change their behaviour and not take unnecessary risks like standing on a stool,” she advised. - TODAY/ar
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