Both my parents took tumbles at one time or another as they aged. Fortunately, they never sustained serious injuries, but that’s not always the case.

Falling may be the greatest fear our loved ones face—and for good reason. More than 1 in 4 people ages 65 or older fall each year.[1] Three million people wind up in the emergency room due to a fall, and 800,000 are hospitalized.[2]

Dangers

Falls can directly contribute to death or disability by causing head injuries with a brain bleed, especially in those on anticoagulants (blood thinners).

They can also indirectly result in loss of life by causing fractures or other injuries. Elderly people face higher risks from surgery, and the rehabilitation period also poses dangers. Blood clots from inactivity can cause pulmonary embolisms, heart attacks, and strokes. A host of other problems threatens those with limited mobility, triggering rapid decline.

Causes

Many factors play a role in falls. Here are a few:

• Muscle loss: Muscles weaken with age, and dwindling activity compounds the weakness. Loss of muscle strength also allows joints to become unstable, making falls more likely.
• Medications: Some medications cause dizziness or lightheadedness, producing instability and resulting in falls.
• Blood pressure: Shifts in blood pressure often produce dizziness and even loss of consciousness, further increasing fall risks.
• Medical conditions: Acute illnesses, such as urinary tract or other infections, may result in weakness and falls. Many neurological, cardiac, and chronic conditions, from cerebral palsy to peripheral neuropathy to heart arrythmias, also cause falls.
• Vision: Poor vision may cause more falls than people realize. Failure to see objects in walking areas, inability to navigate rough terrain or stairs due to loss of depth perception, and increased difficulty seeing in low light can all lead to falls.

Prevention measures

The best defense is a strong offense. That’s where fall prevention comes into play. Here are some tips:

• Encourage exercise to strengthen both muscles and bones, not only preventing falls but lessening the likelihood of fractures if a fall does occur.
• Instruct your loved ones to stand up slowly to allow blood pressure to stabilize.
• Shop for sturdy, flat-soled shoes. Sturdy doesn’t have to mean ugly, but sandals and high heels should be out.
• Make sure walking areas are well lit with non-slip flooring and mats.
• Install handrails in bathrooms and tubs. Add slip-proof stickers to tub and shower floors.
• Urge the use of mobility aids, such as canes and walkers, when needed.

Falls sometimes seem inevitable, but with diligence and watchfulness, we can help reduce the risk and severity.

Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
Proverbs 3:23 NIV

[1] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/falls-and-fractures-older-adults-causes-and-prevention

[2] https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/why-do-older-adults-have-more-falls

Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness. A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 28 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, produces a newsletter for writers, and does freelance editing. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.