Incidence of falls in older people
One of the most important issues in geriatrics is fall prevention. The latest study on causes of mortality published by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), corresponding to the first half of 2024, indicates Falls are the leading cause of external mortality in Spain , with approximately 4,000 deaths per year.
The incidence of falls increases progressively with age: in Spain, One in three people over the age of 65 experiences at least one fall per year. and in the case of For those over 80 years old, this figure rises to 50%.
Falls are the leading cause of fractures in older adults. It is estimated that 95% of hip fractures In older adults, they are caused by falls.
A recent study conducted in Spain found that 71% of falls had physical consequences. of which 7.7% resulted in fractures.
This study demonstrates a pattern of high incidence of falls among older adults. The data confirm that the adverse consequences of falls are frequent and often severe, making them one of the major health problems for older people.
Main causes of falls in older people
Falls in older adults often have multifactorial causes, related to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. These factors, usually combined, negatively affect balance and gait, increasing the risk of falls.
According to Fernando Rodriguez Artalejo, Professor of Public Health at the Autonomous University of Madrid, frailty in older people It is one of the key factors that increase the risk of falls. Frailty is a clinical condition in which at least three of the following circumstances are present:
- Slowing of gait
- Loss of strength
- Reduction in physical capacity
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
The frailty of the elderly is compounded by other increasing risk factors that cause falls in older people:
- Stumbles due to objects or obstacles on the floor, such as carpets, cables, or cluttered spaces, which hinder safe walking.
- Vision problems that hinder the perception of obstacles and changes in the environment.
- Alterations in balance and gait , caused by muscle weakness, lack of stability or neurological diseases that affect body control.
- Side effects of medications , which can cause dizziness, drowsiness or hypotension, increasing the risk of falls.
- Pre-existing medical conditions , such as arthritis, that limit movement or cause pain when walking, increasing the risk of tripping.
- Environmental factors , such as insufficient lighting or the lack of grab bars in bathrooms and hallways, hinder safe mobility.
- Risky behaviors or habits , such as walking without support or rushing when moving, especially in public spaces or at home.
- Emotional or cognitive instability , such as dementia or anxiety, can affect the perception of the environment and decisions about movement.
How to prevent or avoid falls in older adults? Tips and recommendations
We have seen that falls are one of the biggest problems for older adults, impacting their quality of life, independence, and emotional well-being. For this reason, the focus should be on preventing and avoiding falls by mitigating risks as much as possible and incorporating solutions that minimize the impact of falls should they occur.
We will look at several areas where we can work to prevent or avoid falls in older people:
1. Preventing or reversing frailty in older adults . This is possible through a multidisciplinary approach that includes:
- Proper management of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
- Regular physical exercise It combines aerobic and strength training to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle mass, and stability, also including balance and flexibility exercises. All of this is fundamental in preventing falls, and according to the WHO, regular physical exercise reduces the risk of falls in older adults by 30%.
- Balanced diet , rich in protein, calcium and vitamin D To strengthen bones and muscles, and ensure good nutritional status. At Mr. Loris, we have supplements that complement your diet, such as calcium, magnesium, and zinc, like Calcium , Magnesium, and Zinc. either colloidal vitamin D high purity, highly effective due to its rapid absorption.
