Getting older increases the chance of many health problems, like heart disease, dementia and diabetes. And here’s another big health risk in our golden years: falls. One in 4 people age 65 and older fall each year, and 3 million end up in the emergency room from a stroke. Why are falls so common once we reach a certain age?
It is usually due to a number of factors. “Side effects of prescription drugs can cause drowsiness and dizziness, leading to falls,” says Tim Schuckers, a physical therapist from Portland, Oregon. “Gradual muscle weakness in the lower legs due to sedentary lifestyles can also cause the legs to give out easily when walking and standing.”
Other causes of falls can include:
- Underlying conditions, such as arthritis or neuropathy (pain, numbness, or tingling in the extremities that makes it difficult to feel the ground).
- Balance problems.
- Decreased reaction times.
- Eye sight problems.
- Hearing loss.
- Environmental hazards, such as cluttered floors, slippery bathroom rugs or tiles.
The consequences of falls are alarming. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 1 in 5 falls results in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or traumatic head injury. Falls also cause 32,000 older adult deaths each year.
So what can be done to prevent falls in older adults? You will need to talk to your doctor about treating underlying conditions. You may need an eye exam or hearing test. You will need to eliminate fall hazards in your home. And you will need to start a regular exercise program.
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