2023-04-18 15:00:00
The risk of serious falls and fractures increases massively from the age of about 50. Doctors warn that the eyes and ears are often the cause.
From the age of 50, balance ability, endurance, muscle strength and mobility begin to decrease. As a result, the risk of falling and injuring yourself increases with age. Impaired vision and hearing or medications that limit the ability to react further increase the risk of falling. Around a third of people over the age of 65 fall at least once a year, and almost every second person over the age of 80 falls.
These are seven safety tips that seniors should take seriously
| 1. Regular vision and hearing tests |
| 2. Adjust hearing aids regularly |
| 3. Have the wrong prescription lenses corrected by the optician, repair or replace bent glasses |
| 4. Check the lighting conditions in the living areas for sufficient brightness, attach light switches where they are easily accessible |
| 5. Avoid blinding, shadow-casting light in hazardous areas such as stairwells |
| 6. If you feel dizzy, do not climb ladders and avoid activities such as window cleaning |
| 7. Strength, coordination and balance training |
Presbyopia and cataracts often become a problem
“The risk of falling and being injured can be reduced with simple measures. Problems with the eyes and ears are often not the focus. However, disorders of the organs of vision, hearing and balance can impair balance and thus prevent safe walking,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Liener. Older people in particular often suffer from poor eyesight such as presbyopia and cataracts or glaucoma. Since many of these diseases can be treated or corrected, preventive care with an ophthalmologist is particularly important.
400,000 broken bones in the elderly every year
In Germany, more than 400,000 age fractures are treated every year. Most broken bones in the elderly result from a fall. A hip fracture, also known as a femoral neck fracture, is by far the most common fracture treated in hospital. Many patients die or lose their independence and have to move into a care facility.
Doctors advise: In addition to strength training, don’t forget vision and hearing tests
Orthopedists and trauma surgeons recommend that older people not only exercise and strength training, but also regularly check their eyesight and hearing. This helps to avoid falls, which can quickly lead to broken bones. Problems with vision, hearing or the vestibular system can severely impair balance. “Many falls can be avoided if seniors train their coordination and balance and ensure that they can see and hear well,” says Prof. Dr. Benedikt Friemert, President of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU).
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