Fall in old age is a multifactorial syndrome comprising complex biological, behavioral, environmental, and socio-economic interactions. Causes of falls include internal predisposing factors and external ones. External causes associated with violation of traffic safety rules: uncomfortable shoes, wrong glasses, lack of auxiliary vehicles (canes, walkers), and home security. Internal reasons related to age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, organs of vision, and the cardiovascular system. Whatever the factors contributing to falls, every means must be taken into account and used to avoid falls. The researchers state that thirty-three percent of the elderly experienced falls at least once (An et al., 2020). Half of the aging population falls more often than once yearly. The incidence of falls depends on the living conditions of an older person. The aging people in nurses’ houses and hospitals are at a higher risk of falls than those at home. (An et al., 2020). Therefore, the problem is potentially harmful to the elderly’s lives and well-being. It should be effectively addressed by family members, hospitals, and especially nurses.
Fall prevention developments should focus on the individual character of the syndrome of falls. Such factors as inherence to the falls, the individual health states, and patients’ and caregivers’ education should be included. A personal plan for the prevention of falls is implemented by a doctor who supervises the patient jointly with a geriatrician in case of the detection of senile asthenia syndrome (An et al., 2020). Fall prevention should be carried out in three main areas (An et al., 2020). The first is aimed at organizing a safe life and home. The second is related to gymnastics to increase the strength of the leg muscles. The last group of preventive measures is associated with drugs to reduce the severity of dizziness and treat osteoporosis.
Reference
An, P., Ens, T., Huynh, D., Lee, O., & Mannion, C. (2020). Bedrails and falls in nursing homes: A systematic review. Clinical Nursing Research, 30(2), 5–11.