Falls in old age - prevention and safety for an active life

People who fall in old age are often no longer able to get up without assistance

Attacks of dizziness increase the risk of falling in old age and may indicate illnesses

Risk of falling for biological reasons

As we age, muscle strength, vision, and hearing decline. Various age-related illnesses affect our mobility and senses, and even the medications used to counter age-related complaints can have side effects that increase the risk of falling in old age. Declining strength and coordination make it difficult to break a fall and prevent injuries. Our own biology quite literally trips us up.

Check for yourself whether you or your relatives have one or more of the following biological factors for falls in old age .

• Balance problems: Our sense of balance is located in the inner ear. This is where the fluid-filled semicircular canals and vestibular sacs are found. With every movement, this fluid flows over fine sensory hairs, which signal to the brain what position the body is in and how quickly we are moving. As we age, the balance organ reacts more slowly. If the sense of balance is impaired, the brain often registers too late what position the body is in. Rapid movements in particular - for example, suddenly standing up - overwhelm the organ, causing those affected to lose their balance or suffer attacks of dizziness. In addition to the resulting risk of falling, it also becomes very difficult to hold on to something or slow the fall. Besides the aging process, medications or illnesses, for example, can negatively affect the sense of balance.

• Vision problems: Various factors can impair vision in old age, from age-related farsightedness to conditions such as cataracts or glaucoma. If someone cannot see an obstacle, they cannot avoid it. Vision and eye health should be checked regularly so that sufficiently strong visual aids can be worn. If glasses are too weak, among other things, there is a risk that distances will be misjudged . Vision problems can also cause dizziness.

• Cardiovascular diseases: Diseases that disrupt circulation often also affect the sense of balance. People with low blood pressure frequently struggle with circulatory weakness, even to the point of fainting. High blood pressure can also cause dizziness.

• Dementia and other cognitive impairments: Disorders of the mind - such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease, for example - cause states of confusion and ultimately lead to an inability to make sound judgments, in which those affected lose themselves. Eventually, they are no longer able to recognize fall hazards. Without professional support and care, accidents at home would only be a matter of time.

• Consequences and symptoms of diseases: Various diseases can severely impair balance, physical strength, or coordination. Parkinson's patients, for example, temporarily lose all control over their movements. People with epilepsy could also suffer serious falls during a seizure. The consequences of a stroke often include paralysis, which increases the risk of falling and can be addressed only with intensive therapy.

• Side effects of medications: Some medications cause side effects that cloud awareness, trigger dizziness, or slow reflexes. In addition, medications such as sleeping pills and sedatives often continue to affect older people for longer, while a young body processes these substances more effectively. Furthermore, interactions can occur between different medications, disrupting awareness or balance.

• Weakened muscles: Muscle strength supports the body, keeps it upright, and enables the hands to hold on to railings, for example. When grip strength declines, this protection is lacking. Weak muscles in the legs, abdomen, and back reduce the chance of preventing a fall when you trip over an obstacle. Older people's muscles are often so weak that after a fall they lack the strength to get back up. The sense of balance can also perform its function only when the muscles are flexible and strong enough to convert signals from the inner ear into corrections to posture and movement.

• Diabetes: Diabetes, a widespread condition, also increases the risk of falls as a side effect, so to speak.  Hypoglycemia can, for example, cause severe disturbances of consciousness, including loss of consciousness. The  diabetic foot  - one of the possible complications of diabetes - causes impaired sensation in the feet. The ability to feel pain and pressure decreases, and those affected literally lose their footing. In old age, the risk of falling due to diabetes increases further when the disease is accompanied by other factors described here.

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that can affect various joints in the body as people age. Wear or injuries to the articular cartilage cause the bones to rub directly against each other. As a result, the bone tissue is subject to pathological changes and deformities that cause severe pain. The hands - especially the finger joints - knees, spine, and hips are particularly often affected. Accordingly, the  mobility of affected patients is severely restricted. Osteoarthritis in the legs impairs a secure stance, while in the hands it affects grip strength and dexterity. Laypeople  often confuse osteoarthritis with arthritis. The latter, however, is inflammation of the joints that can occur, among other things, as a consequence of osteoarthritis. Arthritis also restricts mobility due to the pain it causes.

• Osteoporosis: The so-called loss of bone density is a common age-related disease that causes bone tissue to become porous. Although it is normal for the body to break down bone mass with increasing age, this process progresses unnaturally quickly in osteoporosis. As the bones lose density, they break more easily - in severe cases, even under minor stress. Since the disease often remains unnoticed for a long time, targeted  screening examinations are recommended from the age of 70 onwards.

• Low blood pressure or anemia: Low blood pressure - hypotension - is usually not dangerous, but it can cause impairments that increase the risk of falling. If blood pressure drops sharply, it can lead to heart palpitations, dizziness, and other circulatory problems . In rare extreme cases, those affected suffer occasional fainting spells. If these symptoms occur at an unfavorable moment, when, for example, there is no safe place to sit nearby, they can cause older people in particular to fall.  Anemia causes very similar symptoms - however, it is due to a reduced number of red blood cells or a lack of hemoglobin.

• Impairment and physical disability: Missing limbs severely restrict physical capabilities and sometimes also increase the risk of falling. If, for example, leg prostheses are not secured optimally, they could slip under load and give way under the wearer's weight. People affected by leg amputations often have to learn in extensive therapy to come to terms with their new reality and move around in everyday life again. Various physical disabilities or degenerative diseases also severely restrict mobility - one example is multiple sclerosis, which gradually destroys the body's nerve fibers.

Many of the biological factors mentioned above can also occur at a young age. However, as age increases, their effects become more problematic and overlap with other age-related ailments. It is important to always pay attention to your own health and be honest with yourself. Many illnesses and conditions can be treated - otherwise, there are almost always alternative ways to cope with the changed situation. If you know that biological factors put you at increased risk of falling, sources of risk can be eliminated more easily. Because when the body and senses no longer cooperate, even the familiar home can become a dangerous place.

Risk of falling due to factors in your surroundings

Many accidents happen at home, because even a familiar environment can contain trip hazards . Slippery rugs, smooth floors, or steep stairs can of course be dangerous for healthy people of any age too - but age-related changes increase the likelihood that an obstacle will be overlooked or a handrail missed. Recognizing potential sources of danger that could cause falls in the immediate surroundings is therefore important for minimizing the risk of falls.

• Trip hazards: Door thresholds, raised rug edges, low tables or stools, and objects left lying around can cause even healthy, young people to trip. For seniors with limited coordination and mobility, they become dangerous trip hazards. If grandchildren are visiting or children live in the house, care should be taken to ensure that no toys are left in the middle of the way. Balls, skateboards, and toy cars in particular can lead to rapid falls if a foot lands on them, as they slide away without resistance.

• Slippery floors and loose rugs: You may know the scene from the famous play “Diner for One” in which butler James repeatedly trips over the tiger's head on an old-fashioned rug. Although such floor coverings are rarely found in homes today, even simple rugs or the floor itself can contribute to falls. Make sure all rugs lie flat and have no folds that feet could catch on. On smooth floors, runners and rugs can be secured against slipping with adhesive strips .

• Bathroom fall hotspot: Bathrooms, particularly showers and bathtubs, pose a particularly high risk of falls in old age. Tiled floors and the ceramic surfaces of bathtubs and showers are very slippery when wet. Even healthy, young, fit people need to move carefully here. Seniors who lack the necessary strength and mobility face an increased risk of falling, especially when getting into and out of showers and bathtubs . Later in this article, we will explain how bathrooms, showers, and toilets can be designed to meet seniors' needs.

• Stairs: Climbing stairs is strenuous and requires a high degree of coordination - healthy young people are usually unaware of this. As people age, however, using stairs can become very difficult because strength and coordination decline, and the heart is placed under considerable strain when climbing stairs. Stairs are not only a frequent site of falls - the consequences of falls are often very serious. In some cases, the drop is considerable, and hitting the steps repeatedly and finally the floor can cause multiple injuries. Therefore,  no objects should be left on the steps either. In many old houses and apartments, there are differences in height between individual rooms that are bridged by single steps. These are easily overlooked and pose a permanent risk of falling.

• Incorrect footwear: Shoes - even “slippers” and house shoes - should fit securely on the foot and not wobble. Poorly fitting shoes slip off the foot too easily and thus become tripping hazards themselves. Flip-flops and similar slip-on sandals are among the worst choices of footwear for people at risk of falling. They slip off the foot too easily and can catch on obstacles - especially when walking backwards. If special shoes must be worn due to a medical condition - for example, diabetes - they should be precisely fitted by an expert. Although the shoes should fit securely, they must never cause pressure points or restrict blood flow. Many socks also pose a risk of falling when you walk on smooth floors in them. It is advisable to wear socks with non-slip soles.

• Unsuitable clothing: Very loose clothing, wide sleeves or “baggy trousers” may be comfortable, but they carry the risk of getting caught on edges or door handles. Anyone who already has problems with balance can quickly stumble as a result.

• Insufficient lighting: Anyone who cannot see an obstacle cannot avoid it. Therefore, ensure good lighting in all rooms and hallways. Steps, edges and thresholds in the home can be marked with light strips to make them visible even in poor lighting conditions or in the dark.

• Risk of falling in public spaces: Trip hazards in your own home can be identified or eliminated. Things look different when you leave the house. Even today, far from all buildings are barrier-free. Stairs, escalators, steep footpaths, e-scooters carelessly left on sidewalks, or even tree roots during a walk in the woods pose a permanent risk of falling. Nevertheless, it is important and healthy to spend time outdoors. Frequently traveled routes could be walked together with another person to identify potential fall risks and commit them to memory. Walking aids ranging from walking sticks to rollators help compensate for poor balance as well as a lack of strength or stamina.

Seek professional medical or therapeutic help if you have already fallen

Falls in old age due to carelessness or improper behavior

Unfortunately, some people are too careless with their own health and thereby increase their risk of falling in old age. Of course, it is unpleasant to confront the consequences of aging for oneself. Many older people who have already fallen conceal the incident or downplay the danger. The fear of losing control or being patronized by others is often greater than the fear of injuries from falling. However, anyone who suppresses the risk of falls in old age exposes themselves to a far greater danger.

• Lack of exercise: Too many people get far too little exercise. Typical “diseases of civilization” such as back problems or joint degeneration often have their origins in early life, when, for example, people work mainly while sitting and do not compensate through physical activity. Anyone who already experiences pain during simple movements often limits their activities and thereby tends to make the problems even worse. If we do not use our motor skills, they deteriorate over time, meaning that many people of middle age already suffer from being overweight as well as declining coordination and mobility. Muscles that are too weak cannot adequately support the joints and reduce the chances of breaking a fall or getting back up afterward without assistance.

• Alcohol or drug use: Intoxicating substances generally have a negative effect on the sense of balance. In addition, the ability to recognize tripping hazards is often reduced when in a dazed state. Alcohol consumption can lead to overconfidence and dangerous recklessness. Many drugs slow reflexes and confuse the senses. Anyone at risk of falling should avoid alcohol or drug use, or at least greatly limit it. However, some people are forced to take drugs - in the form of medication - because of illnesses. In these cases, it is important that medical professionals also clarify any side effects affecting perception or the sense of balance.

• Stubbornness and false pride: Ignoring the risk of falls in old age and excluding oneself from this threat is one of the greatest dangers. Statistics show that one fall is often followed by others. Every fall in old age carries the risk of serious injuries and permanent damage. Yet many falls could be prevented if those affected dealt openly and honestly with their situation and prepared themselves better for the circumstances that accompany aging.

Falls in old age - various other causes

• Unsuitable or damaged walking aids: Walking aids are only helpful when they are optimally adjusted to the individual and the correct walking aid has been selected for the situation. Walking frames and rollators, for example, should be adjusted to the person's height and arm length . The condition of the walking aid should also always be monitored. Walking sticks, crutches, and walking frames are equipped with non-slip rubber feet. As these wear down, they lose traction and should be replaced as soon as possible. The wheels and parking brakes of rollators and wheelchairs must also be checked regularly to ensure that they move smoothly and do not come loose and roll away when the brakes are engaged.

• Fear of further falls in old age: The fear of falling again after a fall can be almost as dangerous as the fall itself. This can lead to a fatal sense of insecurity, causing those affected to move less and less and thereby worsen their physical condition. In fact, this makes it more likely that further falls will occur.

Who is considered at risk of falling?

If one or more of the factors described above apply to you, you may be at risk of falling. Statistically speaking, biological causes of falls increase with age - at the same time, physical and sometimes mental decline increases the risk posed by tripping hazards in the surrounding environment.

Studies conducted by Stuttgart's Robert Bosch Hospital have shown that  almost one-third of people over 65  fall at least once a year.  From the age of 80 , almost every second senior is affected by age-related falls.

A fractured neck of the femur is one of the most feared consequences of falls in old age

What consequences can falls in old age have?

Falls in old age can have serious consequences because our  body becomes more susceptible to injuries with increasing age . Skin abrasions, bruises, or sprains - including wrist sprains caused by trying to break the fall - are among the less serious consequences.

This is because injuries often occur that require medical treatment. Every year, around 400,000 patients over the age of 65 are treated for fall-related injuries in German hospitals.

Because older people often lack strength and quick reflexes, many seniors hit their heads when they fall. This can result in serious injuries ranging from concussion to brain hemorrhages. Since retirees often take blood-thinning medication, such bleeding can be particularly dangerous.

If  signs of paralysis, speech disorders, or impaired consciousness  occur after a fall onto the head, there may be a brain hemorrhage, which must be treated in hospital as quickly as possible. If the injured person was unconscious for a while, a doctor should also be consulted.

In old age,  bone density  steadily decreases. Therefore, any fall in old age can result in broken bones. A typical fall-related injury in older people is a  fractured neck of the femur. The pelvic bones or coccyx may also be affected - depending on which part of the body bears the brunt of the impact.

People who fall forward generally try to brace themselves with their arms. This can result in  fractures of the ulna and radius, the wrists, or the elbows . Every bone fracture also carries the risk of internal bleeding if bone fragments or fracture edges injure the surrounding tissue.

Thus, every fall in old age carries the risk of a long hospital stay or even becoming dependent on care. Take precautions in good time so that your risk of falling, or that of your relatives, is kept as low as possible.

It should be noted here that, of course, it is not only older people who fall. Many of the previously mentioned causes of falls can lead to someone falling at any age  - younger people generally just have a better chance of breaking their fall without serious injury or recovering from its consequences.

Installing grab bars in suitable places around the home ensures that supports are available wherever they are needed

What can I do to prevent falls?

A large proportion of falls in old age could be prevented with suitable fall prevention . If people at risk of falling are unable to do this themselves because of dementia, senility, physical weakness, or other age-related conditions, relatives or care services should take steps to prevent falls .

First, you should search the home and its immediate surroundings and remove as many tripping hazards as possible. Remove loose or damaged rugs, clear loose cables or objects lying around out of the way, and check the footwear of those affected. Rugs and runners can also be secured to the floor with double-sided adhesive tape to prevent them from slipping.

Particular attention should be paid to protecting the bathroom against the risk of falling . Smooth floor tiles are an unsafe surface, especially when wet - however, there are also tiles and ceramic tiles with slip-resistant surfaces.

The hard edges of a toilet, bathtub, or sink can cause serious injuries if someone falls onto them. There is also an increased risk of falling in the bathtub and shower themselves when users are weakened by age-related conditions.

Various measures can be taken to secure the bathroom - from  installing grab bars next to the sink and toilet and in the shower and bathtub to a complete barrier-free renovation. Bathtubs and showers can thus be fitted with floor-level doors, which make getting in and out considerably easier. Alternatively, non-slip steps can be stacked in front of the tub.

The smooth floor of a bathtub or shower can be covered with safety shower mats. These have suction cups that hold them securely in place. To avoid having to stand the entire time, shower stools or shower chairs are also recommended; they can simply be placed in the shower. Washing people who need care is also made significantly easier for caregivers or relatives looking after seniors at home.

If you would like to read more about senior-friendly bathroom design, we recommend our blog post on the subject:  Accessible bathrooms - the senior-friendly bathroom.

Another major source of falls in old age is  stairs . Climbing stairs is tiring, and each individual step is another obstacle for people with limited mobility or frailty due to age. Circulatory problems, muscle weakness, or a lack of coordination can cause feet to catch on the steps or lead to dizzy spells.

Anyone who falls on a staircase can fall a long way and land hard. Therefore, stairs in the home and garden should always be equipped with  sturdy handrails and railings .

Modern stairlifts can be installed on virtually any staircase and save you from having to climb the stairs

The  safest method of navigating stairs safely is a  stairlift . Their electrically powered seats travel up or down the steps and restore mobility in their own homes to people at risk of falling.

For example, there is no need to move into a home without stairs - seniors can continue living in familiar surroundings. In addition, modern stairlift systems are already very space-saving and easy to install.

If you are interested in having a stairlift installed, you can contact Medicalcorner24® directly, as your reliable medical product supplier cooperates with Acorn, the renowned manufacturer of modern stairlifts that can be adapted to any staircase. Read  more about Acorn stairlifts here.

Residential and nursing homes are generally well equipped to reduce the risk of falls, particularly among patients with dementia. For one thing, rooms and hallways in a good facility are designed to prevent tripping hazards. For another, assistive devices are used to alert care staff to the behavior of residents with dementia.

For this reason, many institutions rely, among other things, on  wireless safety mats, which are placed in front of the care bed. If, for example, a person with dementia gets out of bed at night, they step onto the mat, which immediately sends a  signal to the care staff , allowing a caregiver to check on them.

Suitable sporting activities can reduce the risk of falling in old age - for example, strength training with resistance bands

Measures that people at risk of falling can take themselves

You do not have to passively accept the decline of physical strength, balance, and coordination that comes with age. Many people lack the right kind of exercise throughout their entire working lives. Remaining in a seated position at a desk for hours on end is poison for the body.

In other cases, a drastic deterioration begins when people reach retirement age, because those who have worked all their lives suddenly no longer know what to do with themselves. Don't let that happen!

Movement is the key to maintaining coordination, strength, and reaction speed well into old age. And there is absolutely no need to engage in competitive sports to achieve this. Daily walks already contribute a great deal, because the human body is designed to move forward upright. At home, get up regularly to walk back and forth between rooms, or stroll around your home at a leisurely pace while talking on the phone.

Simple exercises can also help train your balance. For example, you can simply stand on one leg from time to time and maintain your balance. Or stand on your tiptoes, hold the position for a while, and then lower your feet again. Such exercises can easily be incorporated into your evening routine in front of the TV, for example. After practicing while standing for a while, you can still lie down on the couch with a clear conscience.

Those who feel ready to take on a little more can also work with a so-called balance trainer . These are training devices with built-in instability - for example, round discs with a ball underneath or balance pads that resemble partially deflated air mattresses. You can step onto these balance trainers and thus train the deep muscles in the lower abdomen, abdomen, and back, which are needed to keep us upright. Exercises in which you support yourself with your hands on the training device are also possible.

Balance trainers can often also be combined with “slow” forms of exercise such as Tai Chi or yoga, both of which are excellent methods for combining strength and coordination training in a gentle way and strengthening the cardiovascular system. Those who attend relevant classes also get to meet like-minded people and make new social contacts. Training together with others often boosts motivation and is more fun.

Yoga  originates from Indian culture and combines physical exercises with breathing exercises. The body is placed in various positions, which are held for a while. These exercises are coordinated with deep breaths. There are  various types and levels of yoga  – some focus primarily on the philosophical aspect of relaxing the mind and body, while other variations place greater emphasis on physical exercise.

Beginners can also start with simple yoga as a completely “unathletic” person and gradually build up. The advantage of yoga is physical exercise with minimal strain, which, through controlled breathing, can also have an energizing and relaxing effect.

Tai Chi or “Taijiquan” originated in Chinese unarmed martial arts. However, this martial art has increasingly developed into a relaxing form of exercise in modern times. In Tai Chi,  flowing sequences of movements  are performed slowly and with a  minimum of effort .

These movements create what are known as “forms” in “combat” against an imaginary opponent. Controlled breathing also plays an important role in Tai Chi. The movement exercises are good for the joints and help maintain and improve the mobility of the limbs. Studies have shown that the cardiovascular system and mental health also benefit from regularly practicing Tai Chi.

 Water aerobics offers particularly safe and gentle training. The water supports most of the body weight, allowing even weakened or overweight people to train safely and gently on their joints. Appropriate courses are offered at many swimming pools.

They also have the advantage of allowing you to meet other people your age who have similar problems and make social contacts. Exercising together with like-minded people provides additional motivation, and you may find new friends with whom you can also do things in your everyday life.

Strength training not only builds new strength - active muscle tissue contributes to good circulation and ensures better energy metabolism when you consume calories. Even carrying heavy objects can strengthen the muscles, heart, and circulatory system. This means that shopping bags can already serve as useful training equipment.

If you want to do more extensive exercises, you can use  dumbbells in various shapes and sizes. Since these training weights are available in many increments, from light to very heavy, the training can be adapted to your own abilities and gradually increased over time.

 Resistance band training offers several advantages in old age over conventional dumbbell training. Fitness bands or resistance bands allow the load to increase and decrease smoothly without exceeding the body’s current available strength. This type of training is particularly gentle on the joints. When training with dumbbells, on the other hand, you must move the full weight of the training equipment at all times - the strain on the joints is greater.

It is of course advisable to maintain a certain level of regular exercise and exertion  from a young age . The fitness and strength you lose become increasingly difficult to regain as you get older. If, on the other hand, you stay active, you have the best chance of preserving your mobility well into old age. It is  never too late to start exercising or engaging in physical activity.

However, it is  advisable to consult your doctor before taking up sport again at an advanced age. Depending on how fit you still are or what complaints you suffer from, you may need a training program specially tailored to your needs. Many medical practices also offer geriatric preventive examinations  to assess your risk of falling and provide you with targeted advice on fall prevention .

Wearing special protective clothing can reduce the risk of injury in falls. For example, many manufacturers of specialized medical clothing already offer so-called hip protectors . These are underwear fitted with padding around the hips. Since many falls in old age end with an impact to the hip area, wearing these hip protectors can reduce the likelihood of a femoral neck fracture or other hip injuries.

It is also advisable to  use walking aids, as these enable people with physical limitations to participate in everyday life and help many seniors maintain their independence into old age. Depending on how restricted your mobility is - whether the limitation is temporary or permanent - various walking aids are available:

• Walking sticks: The walking stick is the simplest option when it comes to supporting part of your body weight or relieving pressure on an injured leg. From a simple walking stick - which can also be a fashionable accessory - to height-adjustable forearm crutches, there are many options. Non-slip rubber tips on the end of the stick provide secure support when you lean on a walking stick. Walking sticks are useful when, for example, a foot or knee is injured or there are only minor physical limitations. In cases of significant loss of mobility or strength, other walking aids should be chosen.

• Walking frames: Walking frames are designed so that users can support themselves with their full weight. The sturdy frames are made of metal or durable plastic and can often support 130 kilograms or more. Soft grips protect the hands, while non-slip rubber feet provide stability on all surfaces. The walking frame is held with both hands and moved forward a little with each step. In addition to everyday use, walking frames are also frequently used in physiotherapy - for example, when walking must be retrained after an operation.

• Walking frames and rollators: Rollators and walking frames function similarly to walking frames, but have wheels - they are wheeled walking aids. Rollators can also be used to cover longer distances - for example, when shopping. The wheels can be locked with parking brakes. Many models have fold-out seats and can therefore be used for a rest break at any time. Accessories such as shopping baskets or umbrella holders make it easier to carry items or attach umbrellas, enabling outdoor mobility in any weather.

• Wheelchairs: Anyone who can no longer walk or can barely walk should preferably sit in a wheelchair. Whether powered electrically or manually propelled, wheelchairs enable seated mobility in barrier-free indoor and outdoor spaces. Special safety belts for wheelchairs can be fastened to prevent weakened individuals from falling out of the wheelchair.

You can find various  walking aids and accessories for crutches, walking sticks, and other supports in the Medicalcorner24® online shop.

What should you do if a fall occurs?

Even the best preventive measures cannot prevent a fall from happening one hundred percent of the time. Therefore, you should have a  clear plan for an emergency situation and prepare for such an eventuality. Seniors whose mental abilities are not too severely impaired by dementia, sedating medication, or the consequences of the fall can call for help themselves if they carry a  mobile emergency call system with them.

These emergency call systems generally consist of a simple button worn on a bracelet or around the neck. As soon as the button is pressed, a nearby alarm center is activated, which immediately establishes contact with an emergency or care service. Helpers can set off immediately to provide the fallen senior with rapid assistance.

Even if you manage to get up by yourself after a fall, it is usually advisable to have yourself examined by a doctor. The consequences of some injuries only become apparent after a delay. This applies, for example, if you have fallen on your head - in this case, the possibility of a concussion or more serious consequences must be ruled out.

Fractures are not always immediately recognizable either - a hairline fracture in a bone may initially feel like a painful bruise until the “real” fracture occurs under strain. If severe falls result in internal injuries, bleeding into the tissue may occur and only lead to a worsening of the situation several hours later. When in doubt, it is always better to be safe than sorry - in your own best interest.

Conclusion:

Falls in old age can never be completely ruled out, but the risk can be reduced through fall prevention and an honest approach to your own situation. If you observe yourself carefully and acknowledge that your strength and coordination are declining, you can incorporate precautionary measures into your daily routine without giving up your independence or allowing others to patronize you.

After all, the consequences of a fall could restrict your life far more severely. It is certainly better to use a walking aid than to be unable to walk anymore. Taking the stairlift at a leisurely pace is surely a more pleasant experience than tumbling down the stairs.

At the latest when you suffer a fall through no fault of your own, it is time for medical checkups and a rethink of your daily routine. You will find that fall prevention does not restrict you nearly as much as you may fear. Take care of yourself, stay with your family and friends, children and grandchildren for a long time, and continue to participate in life. We sincerely hope you do!