More than 1.6 million seniors fall each year in Canada. Almost half experience serious injuries, such as fractures and sprains; falls cause 95% of hip fractures in those over 65. Close to 20 percent of seniors die within one year of a fall.
Common Reasons for Falls
Falling can be caused by several factors, but two of the most common reasons are slips and trips, and as the result of side effects from medications. Below we will go through the common factors in detail and ways to prevent falls.
Slipping and Tripping
Slips and trips are the main culprit for falls among seniors. They can happen as a result of any obstacle in a senior’s walking path, because of an existing chronic condition or disability, due to balance disorder, or as a result of cognitive impairment.
Keeping walk ways clear in the home is imperative
Biological factors such as nausea, infection, weakness, pain, and dizziness can also put seniors at risk for falls. One study revealed that infections, in particular Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), were a precipitating factor in 8% of all falls. Essentially, any factor that changes a person’s gait (walking timing, foot placement, etc.) greatly increases their risk for falling.
