Statistics on Falls in the Elderly

Here is a summary of points from a great article on falls among the elderly population:

 

Quick Facts...

• The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women than for men.
• Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
• A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.
• Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
• At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home. 

 

You can read the whole article here.

If you are worried about yourself or a relative or friend. Consider an elderly mobility aid to increase their safety and confidence.

Mobility Aids with Seats

Sometimes your walking is OK but your exercise tolerance is not.

That is why it is now common for elderly mobility aids to have a seat built in.

Most people have seen walking frames with seats but you can also get Walking Canes with a Seat.

You should always consider every aspect of your walking requirements when choosing a mobility aid as sometimes the ability to take a brief rest when you are out will be an important factor.

Adjustable Walking Sticks and Canes

It is all good and well having an adjustable walking stick or walking cane but how high should it be?

Here is a simple guide:

http://wupensticks.com/index14.html

Like any Elderly Mobility Aid, they need to be appropriate for both the user and the environment they will be used in.

The wrong aid (or the right aid at the wrong height) may not offer the support you need.

Elderly Safety in the Home - Checklist

Here is a link to a great site that has a home safety checklist for the elderly. Falls are the number one area for concern and a few environmental modifications can be done in 5 minutes to decrease the risk of falling.

http://www.nachi.org/elderlysafety.htm

If anyone is falling or concerned about falling, it is time to think about an appropriate elderly mobility aid before an injury results.

Elderly Mobility Aids - Swedish Style

Some ads make it seem fun to need a walking aid. Check out this offering by a Swedish company:

Can't wait 'til I get a little older.

Elderly Mobility Aid - here I come!

Keep the Elderly Mobile and Keep Them Safe

Everything I discover in my research into elderly mobility issues will be recorded here.

First.....

 

Tai Chi.

There have been many studies into the effectiveness of this in promoting balance in the elderly. A review of the published studies showed that Tai chi improved balance but did NOT lead to a reduction in falls.

See article here.

Preventing falls is of paramount importance as a single fall can lead to serious injury. Once confidence starts to go it is time to consider an elderly mobility aid