Falls in Older People
Many older people fear falling and with good reason. Falls are common—at least 1 in 3 older people falls once a year. Falls can lead to serious injury.
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A person who has fallen once is more likely to fall again
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Falls aren't a normal part of aging
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Falls are a leading cause of accidental death
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Falls usually happen when you’re moving, such as when you're getting out of bed or rushing to the phone
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Some falls can be prevented by staying fit and taking actions to make your home safer
What causes falls in older people?
What injuries are most common from a fall?
Falls can cause:
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Broken bones, especially a broken hip, because elderly people often have weak bones (osteoporosis)
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Bruises, strains, or sprains
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Deep cuts
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Organ damage
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Torn ligaments
If you fall while alone and have to stay on the floor for a long time, you may develop problems like:
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Dehydration (when there isn't enough water in your body)
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Low body temperature (hypothermia)
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Pneumonia—an infection in your lungs
What will happen at my doctor's visit?
Doctors will ask you what happened and whether you had any symptoms before the fall (like dizziness or chest pain). They'll ask about your medicines and whether you’ve been drinking alcohol.
Doctors will do a physical exam to look for injuries and figure out why you fell. They'll look at your:
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Blood pressure—if your blood pressure goes down when you stand up, your fall may have been caused by dizziness or light-headedness
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Your heart to see if you have problems with your heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat pattern, or heart failure
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Muscle strength
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Eyes and vision
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Ability to balance and move easily and smoothly
How do doctors treat falls?
Doctors will:
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Treat injuries from your fall
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Treat any problems that might have caused you to fall
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Help you make a plan to avoid future falls
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Refer you to physical or occupational therapy, if needed
The effects of a fall can last a long time. For example, if you break your hip, you may not be able to walk well even after treatment and rehabilitation.
Fear of falling can also lead to problems like less activity and joint stiffness.
How can I prevent falls?
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Get regular exercise—weight training, balancing, and stretching exercises are helpful
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Wear shoes with nonslip soles
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Stand up slowly after sitting or lying to avoid getting dizzy
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Have your doctor show you the Epley maneuver if you have problems with vertigo (dizziness)
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Talk with your doctor about the medicines you take to see if any of them raise the chance of falling
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Work with a physical therapist, especially if you use a walker or cane, so you know how to use it safely
Make your home safer:
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Have good lighting
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Add light switches that are easy to reach or on a motion sensor
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Add lighting to inside and outside steps
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Put nonskid strips and sturdy handrails on stairs
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Add more electrical outlets or securely fasten extension cords over doorways (or under carpet) so you won’t trip on them
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Keep floors and stairs free of clutter
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Put grab bars in the bathroom by the toilet and bathtub
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Install an elevated toilet seat
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Tape down loose throw rugs (or get rid of them)
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Put nonslip mats in your bath and kitchen
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Put frequently used household items in places where you won’t have to stretch or bend to reach them
If you fall and can’t get up, turn onto your belly and crawl to a piece of furniture, and use it to pull up. Keep a telephone somewhere you can reach from the floor or wear a medical alert device.
