Researches show how falls among the elderly are a top cause of death. Falls are the seventh leading cause of death for adults aged 65 and older in the US and their prevalence has jumped more than 30 percent in recent years, according to a 2018 report from the US centers for disease control and prevention. Even when the fall itself doesn’t cause serious injuries, it makes them become afraid to move. Then they will become weaker and their balance would get poorer, which starts a spiral of more falls. As the healthcare system in the US improved, more elderly are taking lots of medications to maintain their health. But taking four or more medication increases the chance of falling. Also, taking a drug that impacts the central nervous system such as an antidepressant raises the risk of falling.
However, the falling can be prevented. Targeted exercises, modified drug regimens, and fixing vision problems can reduce the risk. Individuals can also work on their lower body strength by exercising. The Otago exercise program developed in New Zealand has reduced falls by 35 percent among high-risk elderly when overseen by physical therapists. In terms of reducing medications, it might be slightly difficult because it may be hard to persuade a patient to stop a drug they may have relied on for years. Some drugs that raise the odds of falling are used for conditions that impact fall risk if left untreated and this is what makes it complicated for doctors to make decisions. There are some new methods as well. The CDC’s STEADi program gives doctors tools to identify and reduce fall risks among patients. The researchers are now testing web-based tools that scan patient electronic health records for fall risk factors and use algorithms to suggest remedies. The researchers are trying to come up with new methods and software developers are trying to develop programs that can help reduce fall risks.
Work Cited: Scientific American 2021 October Magazine