Falls are never fun. When we are young we can pretty quickly bounce back and keep going. In the elderly though a fall can lead to a hip fracture. This in turn can trigger a serious chain of events including loss of independence and even death. In the USA each year falls in the over 65’s leads to 20,000 deaths and 2 million ER visits.
So preventing falls in the older age group is a key plank of good health. Drugs for osteoporosis have been sold on their ability to prevent fractures. Yet what really determines the likelihood of a fracture is the likelihood of a fall.
There are no guarantees in life but there are some simple practical measures, which can be taken to genuinely reduce the chances of falling.
1) Regular exercise which includes strength and balance training. Keeping fit is important but strength training helps strengthen bones. Balance training helps keep reflexes sharper. Group exercise is a good way to keep healthy and be social.
2) Check those medications. Starting blood pressure medications was associated with a 43% increase in falls in the first 45 days. “Targets” for blood pressure are often too low for older people. Psychotropic medications can cause drowsiness and are also associated with higher risks of falls. Be sure that the benefits of medications outweigh the risks.
3) Get some sunshine. Bones need vitamin D and it is free from the sun. You do not want to get burned so find out what is right for your area. A rough rule of thumb is 10 minutes of sunshine four times a week on the arms and face; done away from the middle of the day. And a bit of sunshine generally lifts your mood too.
Medical Doctor, author, speaker, media presenter and health industry consultant, Dr Joe Kosterich wants you to be healthy and get the most out of life.
Joe writes for numerous medical and mainstream publications, is clinical editor at Medical Forum Magazine, and is also a regular on radio and television.
Joe is Medical Advisor to Medicinal Cannabis Company Little Green Pharma, Chairman of Australian Tobacco Harm Reduction Association and sits on the board of Arthritis and Osteoporosis WA. He is often called to give opinions in medico legal cases.
He has self-published two books: Dr Joe’s DIY Health and 60 Minutes To Better Health.
In 2024 due to public demand he commenced a podcast, Dr Joe Unplugged, which can be accessed via Spotify, Apple or YouTube.
Through all this he continues to see patients as a GP each week.
