As they senior population continue to record a steady increase in serious and sometimes fatal falls, In some cases resulting to long stay in the hospital, rehabilitation centers or even permanently bed bound as a result of the injury from fall. To prevent some of these falls, seniors are encouraged to stay active which may include daily exercise plan to ensure good health and functional independence. Staying active will assist in preventing many chronic diseases like type 2 diabetics, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cognitive decline.
When older adults fail to engage in daily physical activities, they risk of developing a disability or disease that will adversely affect mobility as well as the ability to perform even the most basic activities of daily life. Physical activity or exercise may serve a primary, secondary or tertiary role in preventing falls.
We will agree that physical activity like daily exercise plays major role in preventing the onset of pathological conditions and whole-body impairments that could lead to disability and heightened risk for falls.
As of 2009, more than 600 published articles have investigated various intervention strategies aimed at lowering fall rates and/or fall risk among older adults. Of the multiple strategies investigated, exercise, either as a stand-alone intervention strategy or as an important component of a multi-factorial intervention strategy, has been described as one of the “best buys” in fall prevention.
Older adults have more chances of falling as a result of stroke, hip or knee fracture, medications intended to lower anxiety or provide sedation also is one of the leading causes of falls among older adults.
Prevention Strategies:
To prevent some of these risk factors mentioned, it is very important for families and care providers to do a proper fall risk assessment on older adults to determine their risk level. Caregivers should also ensure their environment is free of any fall hazard like cables, wet floor, clutter on the walkway, securing carpets and floor mats properly. In addition, seniors that are prescribed antidepressants, sleep medications, muscles relaxants and blood pressure medications have to be closely monitored after every dose to prevent falling as they walk.