The dangers of “falling” among the elderly
Have heard that Do not forget about old people? Because it is believed that If the elderly stumble and fall Or the faint of heart, once fell to the ground hard There is a possibility that physical health may not be able to return to its original strength again. This belief is true to some extent. Because the elderly are more dangerous to the body than other age people when they fall.
The dangers of “falling” among the elderly
Dr. Natthaphong Wongwiwat, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Medical Services Keep the information that The elderly are at risk of falls. And it is more dangerous to the body than other age people due to the deterioration of the body such as the bones and muscles that make it easy to lose balance. The organs are exposed to severe shocks such as arms, legs, head, hips, knees, back, etc. These injuries range from a few days of minor pain to chronic pain, months to heal, or even life threatening.
Risk factors for falls in the elderly
- Eye changes Myopia - long Or may be blurred vision, various eye diseases that may make predictions for picking Or not walking easily
- Conditions of bones, joints and ligaments that deteriorate
- Urinary system May make it to the bathroom more often Risk of slipping and falling in the bathroom more than before
- Various underlying diseases
- Use of certain drugs That may be at risk for drowsiness, such as sleeping pills, blood pressure drugs , etc.
- Folk that may have obstacles. That may easily stumble and fall
- Indoor lighting conditions that may be so dim that it is difficult to see.
- Steps that are too high or too narrow Making walking inconvenient
- A bathroom where the bathroom floor is wet Or too slippery
- A kitchen that can be cramped and has a mess of household items.
- Shoes of the elderly That may not be appropriate Can't hold on to the ground well Or discomfort in the feet Making it easy to stumble and fall
How to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly
Dr. Sakarn Bunnag, Director of the Somdej Phra Sangkharat Yanasamvara Institute of Medicine for the Elderly Added that To reduce the risk of falls, the most effective is an exercise to strengthen muscles. Increase the flexibility of bones and joints Helps with balance, walking and movement of the body more fluently. Causing the falling rate to decrease But must also choose a posture that suits the person
Guidelines to prevent the risk of falls
- Choose the right shoes for your feet. The soles have flowers or are not slippery. Flexible material Good ventilation
- Use a cane to help you walk.
- Get regular exercise that suits yourself.
- Improve the environment in the house and around the house to be airy, comfortable, and able to see all areas clearly.
- Take the medicine right If the drug has a side effect, drowsiness. Should eat and not walk anywhere. Only sitting or lying still
- Eat a healthy diet To increase body strength
- Other side effects are observed, if any abnormalities are found, consult a doctor to determine the cause and receive the correct treatment.
