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Falls are one of the biggest risks to older people’s health and independence.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, they are among the top three causes of injury-related deaths for those over 65, and the most common cause for people over 80. About 30 per cent of older adults experience a fall each year, with that number rising to 60 per cent in aged residential care.
Lynda Irvine, general manager of clinical services at Summerset retirement villages, is committed to reducing these statistics. She recently spoke about falls prevention at the Ageing, Mobility and Staying Upright symposium at the University of Auckland, where experts shared the latest research.
A number of factors contribute to falls as we age, Lynda says. Our bodies change. Our reflexes aren’t as sharp, our bones weaken, and we may not always notice changes in our mobility. Environmental hazards, medication side effects, and poor nutrition can also increase the risk of falling.
“As we age, we have to make sure the environment is not adding to it by predicting people’s needs so we aren’t doing things we can’t manage any longer and have the support we need to adapt. You can’t protect yourself the same way when you are older, as you don’t have the same reflexes, but it also depends on the state of your bones.”
Preventing falls doesn’t have to be complicated. Lynda and her team have introduced several initiatives to support older people, including education, strength and balance exercise programmes, and the use of motion-sensor bed technologies.
Lynda’s team works with a clinical pharmacist as one key factor is reviewing medications regularly to ensure they aren’t contributing to fall risk.
Nutrition is another major focus, particularly boosting Vitamin D, protein, and calcium intake, which reduce the risk of a fracture, and preserve muscle strength.
She also stresses the importance of early intervention. “Taking early steps to keep your mobility, muscle, balance and strength is key.”
Lynda says any fracture in an older person can be a painful and debilitating experience so preventing harm from falls should be a priority for everyone.
The best protection is looking after your bone health, staying mobile, and having your medicines reviewed regularly, she says.
