Preventing Falls and Fractures in Older People

The HSE has published a new strategy outlining a range of measures to help older people avoid falls and protect them from the more serious consequences of a fall or fracture.

The strategy also aims to reduce fractures caused by fragile bones by reducing levels of osteoporosis in the population. Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in Ireland and makes bones fragile due to low bone mass. Up to 300,000 Irish people aged 50 years and over may have osteoporosis. Many of them do not know they have this condition as it may not be obvious until the first fracture occurs.

The risk of falling increases with age – 1 in 3 older people fall every year and two-thirds of them fall again within 6 months. When an older person falls, it can have life changing consequences due to the increased likelihood of serious injury, disability or even death. These injuries also cost over €400m to the economy.

Common risks of falling include:

• Muscle weakness, poor balance, poor gait or vision, arthritis and other conditions that affect movement, such as Parkinson’s disease.
• Some medication can cause a large or sudden drop in blood pressure or cause weakness leading to an increased risk of falling.
• Trips and slips for example on loose mats or wet floors.

What older people can do to avoid and prevent falls and fractures:

• Keep active
• Ask your GP to review your medicines
• Have your vision checked regularly
• Make your environment safe. Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around; remove rugs or use non-slip tape; fix loose or uneven steps; install hand rails on both sides of the stairs; fit grab rails in the bathroom and use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower.

The strategy, “Prevent Falls and Fractures in Ireland’s Ageing Population”, was developed in partnership with the Department of Health and Children and National Council on Ageing and Older People.

The full text of the strategy can be downloaded from the publication section of the HSE’s website, www.hse.ie

Posted Monday 18th August 2008