Older adults are more prone to accidents, and when they occur, complications may follow, such as fractures of the wrist, hip, or spine, and brain hemorrhage. Factors that make older adults more likely to fall compared to other age groups are due to the degenerative conditions of aging, especially vision deterioration. Additionally, older adults often experience muscle fatigue, leading to frequent accidents from falls.
Statistics show that in Thailand, about 1,600 people die annually from “falls,” making it the second leading cause of death among unintentional injuries, after road traffic accidents. One in three cases involves older adults aged 60 and above. The risk increases with age, and common problems found in older adults who experience such accidents include hip fractures or brain injuries, which result in high rates of disability and mortality.
Causes of accidents in older adults are as follows:
- Physical changes such as blurred vision, hearing loss, inability to hear car sounds or horns when crossing the street, poor balance system such as inner ear degeneration, weakened muscles that support the body, joint problems, sensory nerve deterioration such as long-term diabetes, cardiovascular system issues like chest pain or dizziness when changing positions.
- Environment such as insufficient lighting, slippery floors especially polished or wet surfaces, slippery stairs or lack of handrails, slippery wet bathroom floors without grab bars, cluttered areas with obstacles like electrical cords, children’s toys, rags, or pets.
- Medications such as blood pressure medications, sleeping pills.
- Clothing that is loose, long, or has long strings.
- Poor walking aids such as canes without non-slip rubber tips or wheelchairs without brakes.
Common accidents in older adults
- Slips and falls, most commonly in bathrooms, causing hip fractures. Some cases may result in death, especially in those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart and kidney diseases, increasing the risk of complications during hospital stays.
- Falls, occurring in older adults aged 65-75, often from falling off beds, stairs, chairs, balconies, trees, into holes, or drains. Most accidents happen at home.
- Burns and scalds due to reduced heat sensation, such as during bathing or cooking.
- Choking on food or liquids stuck in the airway, common in older adults with limited arm or leg mobility.
- Weakness, paralysis, loose dentures.
- Other common accidents to be cautious of include taking the wrong medication due to poor vision or insufficient lighting, overdosing or missing doses due to forgetfulness, and being hit by vehicles while walking or crossing streets due to poor vision, hearing, and delayed reaction times.
When older adults experience falls, the most commonly fractured bones are the wrist and hip. When fractures occur, older adults often require long recovery periods, such as prolonged bed rest, which can lead to complications like pressure ulcers. These ulcers develop faster than in other age groups because older adults have fragile skin with less resistance to friction when lying down for extended periods. Sometimes, combined with urinary incontinence, especially in women, moisture increases the risk of pressure ulcers. Additionally, prolonged bed rest can cause depression in older adults. Those with a history of falls have a high chance of falling again, even with walking aids, due to weak muscles and poor balance. The severity of injuries from a second fall is often greater than the first.
Additional recommendations for preventing falls in older adults
Family members should assess the risk of accidents by regularly observing any abnormalities in the older adult’s vision, walking, and balance, as the mechanisms controlling balance in various body systems decline with age, leading to impaired stability. Observe cognitive abnormalities such as confusion or memory loss related to time, place, and people, as well as slower perception, decision-making, or responses. Review and consult a doctor about medications that increase the risk of falls. Regularly evaluate the living environment both inside and around the home.
However, in households with older adults, caution is necessary. If a fall occurs, they should be taken to a doctor immediately to check for fractures, especially hip fractures, and brain injuries, as these can be life-threatening. Do not assume that inability to stand or walk is due to normal aging or chronic diseases such as dementia or depression.
