Preventing injuries

Injuries, frequently caused by falls, are the biggest factor in the loss of functioning abilities. Roughly one third of people over 65 fall once a year.

The fear of falling in the ageing often is instrumental in reducing their mobility, thusly causing a bad physical situation, contributing to passivity through the reduction of cognitive stimuli, which in turn leads to reduction of their autonomy, isolation and illness.

Most injuries happen in the house. Burns, scalding and accidents in the street constitute a big portion of the rest of the injuries. Women run a bigger danger of serious injuries due to problems of osteoporosis and decreasing muscular strength.

 
It is essential to check and secure health factors which can influence the balance of the ageing (sight problems, taking certain medicines, arthritis, light-headedness, vertigo, depression etc.).

The creation of a secure environment inside and outside the house is required so these falls can be avoided. This environment must be void of obstacles and traps.

Research data supports that the falls can decrease by 50 percent when there is evaluation regarding the elimination of obstacles and dangers that can cause the falls. 

Certain practical steps for the ageing:

Observe your everyday routine or ask the help of your family or friends

·        Remember the route you follow in moving inside and around the house; see how you deal with the obstacles and where you have difficulty.

·        Discuss with your doctor potential problems of instability due to light-headedness, which create problems in your everyday routine.

·        Which are the potential dangers in and round the house?

·        How can the environment become more secure inside the house as well as outside?

·        Leave lights permanently on in the area that you move about. 

·        Place night lights on the way from the bed to the bathroom and anywhere else you move about during night hours.

·        Remove any small soft carpets, and place sticky tape on the big ones so that they remain steady.

·        Attend to your shoes and your slippers regularly so they fit securely.

·        Remove cables and other small objects from the floor.

Ask your doctor or your physiotherapist to suggest an aid if you see that your balance is not what it used to be.