The 6 most common accidents in older adults: Learn how to avoid them!

They say accidents happen in the blink of an eye . And they can happen to anyone: from small children to teenagers and adults, and unfortunately, even to older people.

Falls account for nearly 80% of accidents in nursing homes and 20% in assisted living facilities.

A fall is just that: an accident . And for an older adult, it can be a serious health problem with no cure, ultimately condemning them to immobility and prostration.

But what are the most common risk situations that could cause an older adult to fall? We'll list them below.

1. Due to the conditions at home

After a fall, the most injured structures are usually the hip (50%), head and face (24%), hand (10%), shoulder (9%) and ankle (9%).

As in any home, the space where an older adult lives contains furniture and objects that may have been with them for years . And what was once a decorative object can now be a latent risk.

That is, if a hallway is not sufficiently clear , there is a risk that a person could trip over an object, or if the compartments in a kitchen cabinet are not fully lit, an adult could hit their head and fall.

The same would happen if areas such as the patio, bathroom, or stairs are not lit or do not have the necessary infrastructure for the functionality of an elderly person (railings, backrests, non-slip flooring).

2. Due to his status as an older adult

Falls in patients over 75 years of age occur more frequently in women than in men, with a ratio of 35 cases in men to 43 in women.

Due to their age and health conditions, older adults are likely to experience some weakness in their bodies , as well as difficulties in walking and maintaining balance, which would be another risk factor for falls.

The person may not have enough strength to do activities they were able to do before, such as walking or bathing.

In fact, falls are part of what is known as "geriatric syndrome." This is a series of conditions that frequently occur in older adults and could lead to some type of functional or social disability.

3. Due to illness

It is known that dementia doubles the risk of a fall in older adults.

While it is true that certain ailments affect older adults more frequently than other groups, those that impair quality of life can lead to falls.

In this population, special attention must be paid to osteoarticular (arthritis, osteoarthritis), cardiovascular (hypertension, heart failure, arrhythmia) or neuropsychiatric (dementia, Alzheimer's, depression) conditions.

Learn the best physical therapy tips for hip fracture rehabilitation in older adults.

4. By medication

In the United States alone, the economic impact of hip fractures is estimated at $2 billion a year.

It's important to review the adult's current medical conditions and the medications they're taking to treat them. Your doctor needs to know if any pills are causing other problems.

Narcotics, hypnotics, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and diuretics , among others, deserve special attention, since some of them could cause confusion or dizziness in adults and thus cause a fall.

5. For what they wear

Of older adults who fall, between 20 and 30% suffer moderate or severe injuries, such as bruises, hip fractures, or head trauma.

An older adult requires special care not only in their health and at home, but also in what they choose to wear .

A fall can occur if a person doesn't have proper footwear (shoes, slippers, flip-flops), isn't wearing glasses, or if a gown or garment gets caught on a foreign object , causing a fall. Fortunately, this is something that can clearly be prevented.

6. Due to the after-effects of a previous fall

The consequences of a fall can be immediate (injuries to the hip, femur, humerus, wrists and ribs) and/or delayed (functional limitation that can lead to immobility).

This is part of the so-called 'post-fall syndrome', which is characterized by a person's fear of falling again , which can lead to isolation and depression.

Adults who fall and remain on the ground for more than an hour are known to experience dehydration, infections, psychological disorders, and even hypothermia.

While many of these injuries can be treated, many of the accidents that occur among older adults could be prevented . Click here to learn how to prevent falls at home or in a nursing home .

Safety first

Yes, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Therefore , it's important to be as preventable as possible , with the help of information and coordinated work.

Falls can be a real problem for older adults, and their quality of life can be compromised. Some cases have been known to have been fatal .

Hence the importance of taking a step forward in their safety. After all, older adults deserve our protection.