Keeping muscles strong can help prevent falls

by Kathy Frodahl, president, CEO

New England Home Health Care

A slip or fall can be a serious matter. Reduction in bone density and decreased muscle strength and-or tone put the elderly at a higher risk for injury. For some people a decrease in bone density can be a normal process of aging or it may be related to a medical condition such as osteoporosis. Muscles tend to lose strength and flexibility with age.

Older adults greatly value their independence. One fall can significantly limit the elderly to remain independent. An individual who has a history of falling is two to three times more likely to fall

again. A hip fracture is a common but serious and potentially life-threatening injury among the

elderly. According to the Center for Disease Control, 90 percent of hip fractures occur among people age 65 or older. Approximately 24 percent of people more than 50 years old who suffer from a broken hip die within 12 months of the injury. Slips and falls also can lead to other problems such as loss of independence, depression and fear. The individual may limit normal activities that they love out of fear of falling again.

Certain conditions can place people at a higher risk for falls:

Poor eyesight or hearing may keep people from seeing or hearing a hazard.

Balance problems resulting from head injuries, infections or other disturbances in the inner ear or dizziness from standing up too fast.

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Keeping muscles strong can help prevent falls