An elderly person falling is not just a sign of old age. There are a variety of causes that may contribute including muscle weakness, poor vision, foot pain or numbness, medication and improper footwear. Here is a look at common causes for elderly falls and how to prevent them.
In order to prevent falls, seniors can make use of mobility aids like a power wheelchair. In this article we look at the main causes of elderly falls and how to prevent them.
Muscle Weakness
When muscles are inactive it may lead to reduced energy in your body and subsequently to weakened legs, core and arms, which may give out as you are walking.
Poor Vision
If you have poor depth perception it will make you misjudge your next step or cause your eyes to not adjust as quickly in sudden light or in the dark. With blurry vision things in your path may be unclear causing you to stumble into them. If you are farsighted or nearsighted you could estimate, incorrectly, where an object is located.
Foot Pain or Numbness
If you are not able to feel where your foot is landing, you could lose your footing and fall. If your feet get numb or are aching, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that should be addressed.
Medication
A lot of medication designed for different ailments, have side effects that include dizziness and/or confusion, which can lead to a fall. Medication that might seem fine on their own could lead to dizziness when interacting with others.
Improper Footwear
Wearing high heels, sandals or shoes without grip on the soles can cause slipping and falling, even for people who have no mobility issues. Shoes that do not fit properly can cause blisters on the feet, which in turn will cause you to walk differently in order to avoid irritation.
What You Can Do
Here are a couple of possible ways to help yourself in situations like these. One of the best ways to handle this is to schedule a visit with your doctor and tell him/her about all the symptoms you have. Also discuss all the different medications you take in order to determine potential problems. Be sure to ask about a mobility device such as a power wheelchair.
Vision Check
Have your vision checked annually or every six months or sooner, if you notice any changes. Include screenings for cataracts and glaucoma, and talk about your night vision, even when you are not driving.
Exercise
Even if you have limited mobility and are confined to a power wheelchair you can still do exercises that can not only elevate your heart rate and burn calories, but also strengthen your muscles. With a strengthened core and legs, you will have better balance and a stronger body.
Conclusion
We hope you liked this article on Common Causes For Elderly Falls And How to Prevent Them. Please feel free to let us know if you have any questions or if you would like to see more of these types of articles on our site.
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If you are more interested and looking for other related articles, here is a review of the (to be filled in later), as we had some great feedback on that article as well.
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