Why elderly are more at risk of falling ?
It is common to have an accidental fall at any age (eg slipping on ice, falling off a bicycle), but the risks of falling are greater at an advanced age and the consequences are also greater. More precarious health, isolation, reduced practice of physical activity, depression are some of the factors to be considered during falls in the elderly.
Causes and influencing factors
More than a third of seniors living at home have at least one fall each year. The majority of falls occur at home and can be linked to various elements:
- The general health of the person, especially the state of their vestibular system (balance part in the ear)
- Medication
- Food and hydration
- Lifestyle habits
- The physical state of the house and the environment
To find out if you are at risk of falling, answer this questionnaire:
Impacts on daily life
Falls have more serious consequences in people aged 65 and over than in the younger population.
- One of the most serious consequences of falling are broken bones.
- 85% of injury-related hospitalizations for seniors are related to a fall.
- 1 in 5 seniors with a hip fracture will die within 6 months.
Thus, falling can lead to a loss of autonomy and having to move to an accommodation with support (RPA, CHSLD).
Decline in general health, increase in other health problems, isolation and loss of mobility are other impacts that can occur following a fall.
Audiology investigations and recommendations
The audiologist performs fall risk screening via:
- The use of questionnaires (risk factors, state of general health and of the vestibular system)
- Physical screening tests of falls (eg getting up from a chair, walking a certain distance).
The audiologist evaluates the vestibular system (balance) with various tests, in particular by evaluating the BPPV, and performs repositioning maneuvers as needed. The balance of the elderly person can sometimes improve following these treatments.
Depending on each person’s situation, the audiologist makes recommendations for supported care and a significant reduction in the risk of falling, for example:
- Practice physical activity
- Eat well and stay hydrated
- Regularly monitor the health and medication
- Follow up on hearing, balance and vision
- Adapt the physical environment, use mobility aids (ramps, cane, walker), wear good shoes and be safe.
To see an improvement in state of health in relation to the risk of falls and balance system, make an appointment in audiology.
Here’s a short video to learn more about the audiologist’s specialized service in fall risk screening and vestibular system assessment and treatment: