According to Ullmann (2008), at least one in every adult aged 65 and above falls frequently. The consequence of this can be early death or lifelong complications. According to Boltz (2012), these falls can also be life threatening. In 2010, about 2.3 million falls were nonfatal and they were treated in various hospital emergency departments. During the same period, more than 600,000 patients were hospitalized. As noted by Boltz (2012), men have a higher chances of falling as compared to women.
In order to foster fall prevention, it is advisable for adults to exercise regularly in order to improve leg strength and consequently body balance. Secondly, it is advisable to seek medical advice regarding drugs that cause side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness. Thirdly, adults aged 60 and above should ensure that they undergo frequent eye checkup and update of eyeglasses in order to improve their vision.
Fourthly, it is imperative to make homes safer by taking more action to minimize or eliminate hazards that can lead to tripping by installing grab bars in frequently visited locations such as washrooms. Lastly, adults should improve their intake of calcium and vitamin D. Supplements of these minerals are also highly recommended. Treatment of bone related diseases such as osteoporosis will help in mitigating this problem. This consideration will help in lowering hip fracture risks among adults.
New research and technology solution related to the topic
New research on this topic has been focused on fall prevention. The rationale for this was developed based on the causes of falls among adults, which are well known due to the researches conducted in this field over time. According to Ullmann (2008), U.S. Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) reported to the congress on the need to address the existing gaps in key areas of knowledge concerning fall preventing means for older people.
It urged Congress to take an initiative in order to fill these gaps. The USPSTF proposed to initiate and validate practical techniques that can be employed to identify and deal with risks related to adult falls. Other non-governmental bodies are also working on preventing and curative measures of dealing with this adult problem.
There are several new programs such as HUR iBalance Testing Systems which help in improving strength and power of exercise programs for adults. New technologies such as hip replacement and bone replacement are also fostering new ways of dealing with these common adult falls. Walking gear that supports disabled people are also being developed. A good example of this technology is the exoskeleton which assist the body by adding strength to disabled areas like legs or arms. Robotic technologies are also being improved in order to offer humans more power in areas where they are limited. With improvement of robotic related technologies, more research on human enhancing computer aided devices will be conducted in the next few decades.
References
Boltz, M. (2012). Evidence-based Geriatric Nursing Protocols for Best Practice. New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
Ullmann, G. (2008). The Efficacy of Feldenkrais in Improving Balance, Mobility and Health Related Factors in an Older Adult Population. New Jersey, NJ: ProQuest.