How Education Can Prevent Falls

How Education Can Prevent Falls

Many people view health and the ability to function during old age as a necessity in the quest for successful aging effectively. Scientists are yet to reach a consensus on how to define successful aging. However, Depp, Harmell, & Jester (2014) defines it as “as a potentially modifiable characteristic or intervention that is intended to enhance the functioning of older adults” (p.2). Others define it as reaching a target age, regardless of whether there are issues of physical health. The concept has been interpreted differently by various experts. According to Dellinger (2017), falls have been a significant factor that has to be addressed during old age (p. 119). The ability to control the regular occurrence of falls is, therefore, a key inhibitor towards successful aging. Various risk factors dictate the probability of fall-related injuries. For instance, behavioral factors such as lack of exercise, inappropriate footwear, and alcohol abuse increase the probability of falls (World Health Organization [WHO], 2007, p. 5). Besides, environmental factors, such as inadequate lighting, slippery floors, are also risk factors during old age. Lack of proper housing and low-income levels are some of the socioeconomic hazards that predispose the elderly to fall-related injuries. Falls have increasingly become prevalent among the elderly; thus, educating senior citizens and their caretakers will significantly reduce fall-related injuries and promote successful aging.

How Education Can Prevent Falls

Falls contribute to a significant number of injuries among the elderly. Fall prevention plays a crucial role in successful aging since it improves independence among the elderly. The elderly have a more extended recovery period compared to their younger counterparts. The World Health Organization estimates that 28-35% of people above 65 years and experience 2-4 falls annually (WHO, 2008, p. 2). These figures increase to between 32 and 42% once senior citizens reach 70 years (World Health Organization, 2015, p. 2). From these statistics, it is evident that falls limit successful aging as some of them may result in severe injuries and even death. By 2030, 18% of the global population above 65 years will be suffering from fall-related injuries. (Dellinger, 2017. P. 118). Thus, unless interventions are introduced, falls among the elderly are likely to be a public health emergency as the world’s population continues to age.

Footwear and foot problems predispose the elderly to the risk of falling. According to Dellinger (2017), footwear affects posture, gait, and balance, which may cause fall-related injuries (p.121). In this regard, educating senior citizens on the importance of not to walk barefoot, to wear low heel shoes, and footwear with slip resistance will significantly reduce fall-related injuries. Moreover, the elderly vulnerable to eye illnesses, such as cataracts. As Dellinger (2017), vision treatment and assessment may reduce falls (p.122). Therefore, senior citizens should be educated on the necessity of seeking frequent eye treatment to improve their vision during old age and promote successful aging. Research also indicates that social aspects, including peace and protection, form social isolation, abuse, and violence, promote successful aging (Johnson, 2018, p. 15). Educating the elderly on the need to form social groups will improve their psychological and emotional wellbeing.

Successful aging begins the proper guidance form physicians regarding proper medications and movements. In this regard, clinicians may encourage the elderly to engage themselves in activities that promote their movements, such as walking and water workouts. For individuals who cannot be engaged in highly active exercises, the physicians may recommend the best-customized programs depending on the health and body structure of each patient. According to Kenny et al. (2017), such physical programs should be based on the patient’s history, including medication, allergies, and cardiovascular health. Educating the elderly on the proper use of supplements may also help improve their health. For instance, calcium and vitamin D supplements strengthen the bones among the elderly; hence, preventing falls and osteoporosis (Kenny et al., 2017). Thus, physician education and guidance regarding suitable exercises, and appropriate nutrition and supplements assist the elderly in preventing fall-related injuries.

Educating the elderly on risk factors can also contribute to fall-prevention efforts. According to Dellinger (2017), the use of drugs, such as sedatives, antipsychotics, hypnotics, and antidepressants, significantly increases the likelihood of fall-related injuries (p. 119). The elderly should be trained on how to use various parts of their homes, including the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and hallways. During this training, hazards that may exist can be successfully removed by implementing a fall prevention strategy. For instance, any loose rugs in the home environment will reduce the potential causes of falls. Therefore, educating the elderly to be conscious of their home environment and removing fall hazards will significantly reduce fall-related injuries and improve successful aging.

Modern technology continues to play a vital role in the promotion of successful aging. According to Gillain, Piccard, Boulanger, and Petermans (2018, p.221), technological innovation can assist the elderly individuals in managing their health and compensating for challenges that may lead to falls (p.22). An example of these devices includes handrails, raised toilet seat, and grab bars used in a shower. Occupational therapists are responsible for suggesting proper equipment, which can improve the quality of life for the elderly. Technology, such as telemedicine, has also permitted remote health monitoring of the elderly. In this regard, technology has reduced the probability of diseases and illnesses-related disability (Gillain et al., 2018, p. 222). By educating the elderly to adopt technology as part of their health management plan will allow the doctors to provide data to their patients in real-time as they allow for subsequent treatment. Learning how to use rehabilitation technology can also improve the health and wellbeing of the elderly. Thus, educating the elderly on the importance of technology is a fall-prevention strategy that can significantly help successful aging.

Conclusion

Fall prevention promotes successful aging. Educating the elderly and their caregivers on the importance of diet, technology, and exercise can have several benefits, including improvement of an individual’s independence, prevention of a critical injury, and physical deterioration. These benefits allow senior citizens to gain more control over their lives since they can understand their medical states and fall hazards in their environment. Besides, eliminating physical deterioration plays a crucial role in living a long and healthy life. Home modifications, including securing rails and raising toilet seats, reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. Moreover, fall prevention regiments, including exercises and physical activities, increase their overall body strength of the elderly, reducing the likelihood of falls. Therefore, fall-related injuries will become a public health emergency as a large percentage of the population continue to age unless senior citizens are educated on successful aging.