Implications Of Falls On Adults’ Health

The effects of falls upon older adults’ health can range from superficial to fatal. Whilst children and athletes have higher incidence of falls than older adults, older adults have a higher susceptibility to injury, leading to increased complication and severity in injuries. One such example of a physiological impact of falls upon older adults is bone fracture. Between 10 and 15% of falls lead to fracture. Dependent upon the location and severity of the fracture, quality of life may be impaired, as ambulation and mobility may be compromised to the extent that day-to-day tasks, such as maintenance of self-hygiene and walking, are no longer possible. Hip fractures are the most frequent cause of hospitalization following a fall suffered by older adults, and are expensive to treat.Implications Of Falls On Adults’ Health

Around 70-75,000 hip fractures occur annually in the UK. Hip fractures in older adults frequently cause pain, and have been suggested to increase the mortality rate by up to 33% within the following year. They often severely restrict the ability to walk, and reduce quality of life. Research has found that older adults who have suffered a hip fracture are likely to experience depression within the following year. This outlines the negative implications of falls leading to hip fracture, upon physiological and psychological health and wellbeing. Furthermore, there is a large financial burden placed upon the patient, their family, and healthcare provider.Implications Of Falls On Adults’ Health