Elderly persons' falls

Your report, 'Fall changes man's retirement plans' (February 1) highlighted the plea of health care professionals to raise the issue of falls among the elderly on a national level.

For your readers' information, one in three people over 65 falls at least once a year, going up to one in two in those over 85. Ninety per cent of hip fractures treated are a result of a fallm and osteoporosis, common in the elderly, increases this risk not only in the hip but also for shoulders and wrists.

Falls are a major cause of disability in people over 75. To many elderly a fall means an end to an independent life and loss of confidence. They may become house-bound, confined to a wheelchair or even die. Half of hospitalised elderly will not go back home but end up in an institution. Besides, there are huge cost implications to our economy in terms of hospitalisation, rehabilitation and even long-term care.

Falls do not occur as an isolated incident; they are a result of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Poor eyesight, low blood pressure, painful joints and weak muscles, drug interactions, incontinence and environmental hazards both indoors or outdoors, are just a few causes of falls.

Falls can be prevented and their possible serious consequences reduced if action or help is sought as soon as possible. Checking your eyesight regularly, visiting your family doctor for routine check-ups, taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor, keeping your home environment safe and maintaining a regular physical activity should help reduce the risk of falls.

Health professionals and local administrators (local councils and urban planners) should work hand in hand for the safety of our senior citizens.

Representatives of various health care professionals have recently joined forces and set up the Falls Task Force Group with the intent to increase the awareness among the general public especially the elderly of falls and their prevention. Activities are being planned in the near future to achieve this objective.