Falls in old age: Prevention and hidden causes

When we sustain a fall in old age, the causes and consequences may not be the same as that of a young person. Do you know the reasons The answer is slightly complicated. A typical fall in the elderly which may result in injury or fracture could be a manifestation of an infection, vertigo, stroke or accident. This atypical manifestation of a typical disease is termed Geriatric Syndrome and the symptoms are that of the weakest link organ in the body.

About 35 to 45% of elderly people fall annually. One fall increases the risk of future falls and fractures! Pneumonia, urinary infection, dizziness, vertigo, syncope, parkinsonism, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, osteoporosis, slippery floor, poor vision, confusion etc., are common causes. Customised exercise programs and physiotherapy are beneficial to correct problems contributing to fall risk. Assistive devices such as cane, walker, stopping or reducing the dose of drugs which increase fall risk, changing to appropriate lenses for those with visual impairment, joint replacement surgery for arthritis, wearing properly fitting footwear, etc. can reduce the risk of falls. Adopting gerodesigning while constructing houses by avoiding unnecessary steps, providing supporting bars in the toilet, etc. are intelligent investments while ageing.

Having frequent contact with family members or friends, a phone that can be reached from the floor, a remote alarm etc. can prove helpful in case of a fall. However, it is best to avoid falls in old age at any cost and it is preventable to a great extent.

(The author is a geriatric expert and chairman and managing director of Jothydev’s Diabetes Research Centre in Thiruvananthapuram)