As we age, our bodies become more susceptible to injury. This is due to the natural deterioration of muscle tissue, bones, and joints. Older adults are also more likely to have chronic conditions that can increase their risk of injury. Despite these realities, there are many things that older adults can do the prevention of injuries. Through a combination of exercise, proper nutrition, and careful safety precautions, older adults can stay healthy and active for years to come. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best ways to prevent injuries in older adults. From simple tips like staying hydrated to more comprehensive strategies like strength training, there is something for everyone in this post. So if you or a loved one are looking for ways to stay safe and healthy as you age, read on!
Common Injuries in Older Adults
Falls
Every year, one in three adults aged 65 and over falls. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk of falling. Some simple tips include:
- Exercise regularly. This helps improve your strength and balance.
- Have your eyes checked regularly and wear glasses or contacts if needed.
- Make your home safer by removing tripping hazards, such as electrical cords or throw rugs.
- Install handrails on both sides of stairways and in showers/bathtubs.
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Older adults are at an increased risk of being involved in motor vehicle crashes. There are several factors that contribute to this increased risk, including age-related changes in vision, hearing, and reaction time. Additionally, many older adults take medications that can affect their ability to drive safely.
There are several things that older adults can do the prevention injuries involved in motor vehicle crashes. First, it is important to have regular vision and hearing checkups. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, make sure they are up-to-date and allow for adequate vision while driving. Secondly, be aware of the medications you are taking and how they may affect your ability to drive. If possible, avoid taking medication that may cause drowsiness or impair your reflexes. Finally, drive defensively and be aware of other drivers on the road. Obey all traffic laws and give yourself plenty of time to react to potential hazards.
Traumatic Brain Injury
As we age, our risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases. This is due to a number of factors, including decreased bone density, declining muscle mass, and increased fragility of the blood vessels in the brain.
There are several ways to help prevent TBI in older adults. One is to ensure that they are getting adequate nutrition and exercise, as this can help maintain their overall health and reduce the risk of falling. Another is to make sure their home environment is safe and free from tripping hazards. Finally, it is important to encourage older adults to wear protective gear when participating in activities with a high risk of head injuries, such as biking or skateboarding. If an older adult does sustain a TBI, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. TBI can often lead to serious complications, such as internal bleeding or swelling of the brain. prompt treatment can minimize the risks associated with TBI and improve the chances of a full recovery.
Prevention of Injuries in Older Adults
Older adults are at a higher risk for injuries than any other age group. This is because as we age, our bodies become more fragile and less able to heal from injuries. We are also more likely to have chronic health conditions that can make us more susceptible to injuries. There are, however, some things that you can do for the prevention of injuries in older adults:
1. Stay active and exercise regularly. This will help to keep your muscles strong and your joints flexible.
2. Be careful when you are doing activities that could put you at risk for falls, such as walking on slippery surfaces or climbing stairs. Use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, if necessary. You can also install a portable camera inside your house to review and prevent unnecessary accidents.
3. Wear protective gear when participating in activities that carry a risk of injury, such as biking, skating, or playing sports.
4. Make sure your home is safe by removing potential hazards, such as loose rugs or electrical cords in walkways.
5. Take medications as prescribed and follow the instructions carefully to avoid dangerous side effects that could lead to injury (e.g., drowsiness from pain medication).
6. Have regular checkups with your doctor to identify any health issues that could increase your risk for injury.
What to Do If You Have an Injury
If you have an injury, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may need to go to the hospital. If the injury is not severe, you can usually treat it at home.
There are a few things you can do to help relieve pain and speed up the healing process:
- Rest the injured area
- Apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
- Wear supportive clothing or a splint
- Elevate the injured area above the heart level
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen
When to See a Doctor for an Injury
There are many different types of injuries that can occur in older adults. Some of these injuries may be minor and can be treated at home, while others may be more serious and require medical attention. It is important to know when to seek medical care for an injury, as this can help to prevent further complications.
If an older adult experiences a fall, it is important to seek medical attention if they are unable to get up or if they are in pain. A fall can cause a broken bone or a head injury, both of which require prompt medical treatment.
If an older adult experiences joint pain, it is important to seek medical attention if the pain is severe or persists for more than a few days. Joint pain can be caused by inflammation, arthritis, or an injury, and a doctor will be able to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.
In general, any time an older adult experiences an injury that is accompanied by severe pain, swelling, or bruising, it is important to seek medical attention. These symptoms can indicate a more serious injury that requires prompt treatment. Additionally, if an older adult experiences any type of wound that is not healing properly, this also warrants a trip to the doctor.
The bottom line
In conclusion, there are several things that older adults can do the prevention of injuries. First, they should stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight. Second, they should eat a balanced diet and take supplements as needed. Third, they should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for their activities. Finally, they should create a safe environment for themselves by removing hazards from their home. By following these tips, older adults can stay healthy and injury-free for many years to come. For more daily health tips be sure to visit Centric Healthcare.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/stillgoingstrong/about/common-injuries-as-we-age.html
https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls
https://www.ncoa.org/article/the-top-10-most-common-chronic-conditions-in-older-adults
