Trip, Stumble and Fall: Everybody Does It
June 14, 2024 | Senior Safety
By Steven C. Fox D.O., Geriatric and Disability Medicine, Founder of Resilient80s
It is a mistaken belief that only older adults trip, stumble and fall. In fact, people of all ages experience falls. Public health research indicates that 18% of young people (20-45) fall each year. And each year, 21% of middle-aged people (46-65) and 35% of older adults (65+) experience a fall.
Unfortunately, it is true that 50% of those over the age of 80 will fall each year.
Approximately 7 out of 10 people who fall will sustain some injury. When young people fall, they are more likely to have injuries to their wrist/hand, knees and ankles. Middle-aged people tend to injure their knees. Older adults injure their hips, knees and heads. Falls are a primary cause of traumatic brain injuries.
The progressive increase in falls and the risk of falling does increase with age. There are a number of reasons, including multiple chronic illnesses and medications. Decreased vision and hearing loss also increase the risk for falls, and they should be addressed.
The good news is that two of the major factors for increased falls in older adults can be reduced. Muscle weakness, which produces lack of coordination and stamina, can be slowed or reversed with regular exercise. Impairments in equilibrium and balance with aging are due to a loss of tiny cells in the inner ear called hair cells. Unlike birds and fish, humans are unable to regenerate these cells. Currently there is no treatment for the loss of these cells. However, the human body has an amazing capacity to reprogram and enhance other neurologic and balance stabilizing systems.
Having good balance is essential for daily functioning, independence and even longevity. When walking you spend approximately 40% of the time on one leg. Not being able to stand on one leg for 10 seconds or more is associated with a double risk of death from any cause within 10 years. As the risk for falls sharply increases from 70 to 80 years old, it is essential for older adults to be committed to restoring and maintaining their balance. Walking more and doing a daily balance exercise can rewire and improve one leg balance and can be done by the vast majority of older adults.
A fall with injury is often a life-changing event. It results in physical limitations, loss of confidence, anxiety and fear of falling. What’s more, the fear of falling has been shown to increase the risk for falls. A fall—with or without an injury—is the strongest predictor of a future fall. What you can do today is to make a commitment to reduce your fall risk. Over the past two years I have researched and developed an online program for the accurate assessment of your current functional age, balance and stamina. It is a relatively simple assessment with a questionnaire and two physical tests. The assessment is free and available here.