GERIATRIC SYNDROME: FALLS AND INESTABILITY

Falls are a common and serious problem among older people, causing a tremendous amount of morbidity, mortality and use of health care services including premature nursing home admissions.

Most of these falls are associated with one or more identifiable risk factors ( weakness, unsteady gait, confusion and certain medications etc ), and research has shown that attention to these risk factors can significantly reduce rates of falling.

Older adults can remain independent and reduce their chances of falling.  They can:

·             Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance, and that they get more challenging over time. Tai Chi programs are especially good.

·             Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to identify medicines that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.

·             Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update their eyeglasses to maximize their vision. Consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for some activities such as walking outside.

·             Make their homes safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways and improving the lighting in their homes.