THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF FALLS, UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT ON SENIOR HEALTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 (Bernama) -- Falls among senior citizens are a significant yet often overlooked issue, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) reporting that they cause about 684,000 deaths globally each year.

This makes falls the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths after road accidents.

Notably, adults over 60 account for the highest number of fatal falls, underscoring the urgent need for prevention and awareness among this vulnerable group.

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Consultant Geriatrician at Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Dr Edward Chong Kah Chun, said physical decline is a major cause of falls, as ageing leads to muscle weakness, sensory loss, and certain diseases such as dementia, gout, arthritis, and diabetes.

“These intrinsic factors collectively increase the likelihood of falls, and extrinsic factors such as environmental hazards also play a crucial role, apart from common dangers in homes and public spaces, such as slippery floors, poor lighting, and uneven surfaces that can significantly contribute to the risk of falling,” he said in a statement today.

Dr Edward said that certain medications could also contribute to falls.

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“Certain medications can cause dizziness, for example, anti-hypertensive drugs used to control blood pressure, making falls more likely, while vision and hearing problems further add to mobility challenges,” he said.

Dr Edward said falls could cause fractures or head trauma, often requiring urgent medical attention.

“Beyond physical harm, they also lead to emotional and psychological effects, such as the fear of falling (FOF), which can make seniors less active, weakening their muscles and increasing their risk of future falls,” he said.

According to Dr Edward, injuries are common and tend to be more severe as people age, with over half of all falls resulting in at least a minor injury, such as a bruise, sprained ligament, or strained muscle. More serious injuries include broken bones, torn ligaments, deep cuts, and damage to organs such as the kidney or liver.

If falls are left unattended, they can lead to delayed complications such as dehydration, pressure sores, internal bleeding, or infections, which can develop into serious health problems if not promptly addressed, he said.

In severe cases, falls could increase the risk of mortality, highlighting the importance of immediate medical intervention.

To reduce fall risks, Dr Edward suggested several preventive measures, namely getting regular medication reviews to minimise side effects such as dizziness or imbalance; creating a safer home environment with simple adjustments, such as removing loose rugs, improving lighting, and installing grab bars in key areas like bathrooms; and wearing proper footwear such as covered shoes with non-slip soles that provide far better stability than slippers or slip-ons.

He further recommended that older adults engage in regular strength and balance exercises, such as Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, and Sit-to-Stand exercises,  which can help improve physical stability and regain confidence.

“If the medical conditions allow, older adults are advised to have a high-protein diet with more protein and fibre intake to help with their muscle strength and health, contributing to better balance and strength,” he noted.

This is particularly important because everyone loses muscle with age, approximately three to five per cent each decade after age 30, and inactive people lose the most.

Awareness of the risks of falls among seniors is essential. Families and communities must proactively protect seniors and promote health initiatives in senior care.

As Dr Edward aptly puts it, “Ensuring the safety of our seniors is not just a medical responsibility but a societal one.”

At SMC, the Geriatric Centre of Excellence also has a Fracture Liaison Service Programme for individuals aged 55 and above with a recent fragility fracture, aimed at diagnosis and treatment to prevent future injuries.

They involve a multidisciplinary team of geriatricians, orthopaedic surgeons, emergency physicians, physiotherapists, pharmacists, nutritionists, dieticians, and occupational therapists to provide comprehensive care for older people.

-- BERNAMA