02 May Elderly Problems: Stairs and Falls
Elderly Problems: Dangers of Falling
Psychological Article on Elderly Problems
Falling down stairs can be a risk to everyone, but for aging baby boomers and seniors, when bones and muscle tone are weakening, it can be a devastating event. Psychological articles state that thousands die in the US alone from falling down stairs with many more thousands seriously injured. All this occurs in the confines of one’s home and usually when heavy objects are taken up or brought down stairs. Aside from carrying heavy objects, objects left lying on stairs are an equally common contributor to falls. Poor lighting, bad carpeting and lack of support in the form of hand rails also present elderly problems that exacerbate the risk of falling.
Among the many injuries that can occur, broken hips are the most frequently reported elderly problem, that results from a fall, and it can have terrible long term consequence especially for the elderly. Psychological articles inform us that one third of aging boomers and seniors die from a fall resulting in a broken hip, and only one third returns to their previous level of fitness. Aside from physical injuries, the damage to a person’s self-confidence and psychological well-being are equally important elderly problems that can be the consequence of a baby boomer or seniors falling. Additonally, as the aging baby boomers population increases, the elderly problem of falling will become an even greater societal problem.
The following precautions can be of crucial importance to avoid this elderly problem:
• All objects that you can possibly trip on should be removed, especially from stairs.
• Carpets, rugs and objects that can cause you to skid should be avoided.
• Items used frequently should be reachable without ladders or step stools.
• Safety bars should be installed in all appropriate places; such as showers and stairs.
• Use mats with rubber surfaces to avoid slipping.
• A well lit home helps visibility and switches should be placed on the top and bottom of stairs.
• Shoes should have good ankle support and non-slip soles.
• Spills on floors or stairs should be cleaned quickly.
• Hand rails should be placed on both sides of the stair case.
Aside from the above precautions, the basic reason why a person becomes more prone to falling must be addressed; i.e. a weakening or deteriorating body. Moderate but regular exercise such as Tai Chi should be regularly practices to maintain balance, muscle tone, and coordination and to help strengthen joints and muscles.
Simply by being more conscious of your environment and learning not to take your health for granted can help aging baby boomers avoid situations that may make you prone to falling and subsequent injuries. Regular vision and other health checkups are also essential in avoiding hazards, and always ask your health care practitioner which medications may make you drowsy or feel unbalanced. We at Boomer Yearbook believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Boomer Yearbook is Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!
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