Reducing falls among senior citizens

Although wisdom comes with age, getting older also means that certain hazards, such as falling, increase.

People over 60 years old who fall could suffer severe mental and physical trauma. This is especially problematic when a person lives alone in his or her own home, where immediate assistance is not available.

This is why research is being conducted to determine how falling can be reduced for people over 60 years old.

UK researchers have found that community rehabilitation services can play a big role in reducing the likelihood of subsequent falls, up to as much as 55 per cent.

Rehabilitation centres help to reduce the mental consequences of falling, which can impact very badly upon one’s sense of independence and confidence, even if there was no physical injury.

When a person is more confident, as reported by The Healthcare Republic, the study has revealed that future falls are much less likely.

This in turn reduces the likelihood of future injury, the need for hospital admission, or indeed the need for permanently entering a care home.

Charity director at Age UK, Michelle Mitchell, said: “With one in three people aged over 65 suffering from a fall each year, Age UK welcomes this vital research which has the potential to reduce falls among older people.”

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