Falls are a symptom

BY JOAQUIN ORAMAS

EXPERTS promoting the philosophy of constant health care aimed at prolonging life up to 120 years speak of the need to create a culture of physical activity.

They reiterate the importance of exercise at whatever age but warn that this must always be adjusted to individuals’ age and condition. For example, if you’re going to lift weights, it is reasonable to take advice on the heaviness and frequency involved.

Likewise in exercises as popular as running or walking rapidly. These are very good for the heart and help to eliminate fats from the system, among other benefits. But, be careful, because there are other parts of the body that could be affected if these exercises are not done with the right shoes and necessary moderation.

Those who have gone past their 60th birthday understand the value of their knees, which they wish were stronger, and say in surprise: "But I used to run."

However, the most likely reason is that they did not adapt to the elemental rule of exercising without damaging them.

There are ideas installed in society that are false and dangerous. One of them is to consider it normal for older adults to fall with frequency. But specialists have warned on the care that should be taken to avoid that kind of situation, because many of the causes can be modified, while the consequences can seriously compromise people’s health, especially that of the elderly.

At the extreme of the dangers, statistics indicate that in the older adult population accidents are the fifth cause of death and that 70% of them are due to falls. In other cases, they can result in slight injuries, fractures and wounds, as well as being the starting point for psychological traumas such as anxiety, restricted activities, fear, a loss of confidence and autonomy, unless it is an external cause (for example, someone knocked down while crossing the street). Falls have to be taken as a symptom. Older people have a higher possibility of falling, but this is not a normal occurrence. For that reason the causes have to be sought, according to Dr. Hugo Schiffs, secretary of the Argentine Society of Gerontology and Geriatrics (SAGG).

In general, relatives and the person affected themselves do not consult a doctor over a fall without any complications, and it is interpreted as a consequence of age. However, specialists have clarified that it is a doctor’s duty to pay attention and inquire into the event. "It’s important to undertake a detailed clinical history of the circumstances that led to the fall and a physical examination. And the predisposing factors must be found in order to take the necessary prevention measures," he explains.

It has been revealed that one third of people aged over 65 fall one or a few times per year; and more than 50% do so repeatedly. Moreover, statistics indicate that of all those who fall, 15% need attention for injuries or slight wounds; 5% have fractures and, of those, only 1% involves a fractured hip.

Without any doubt, a fractured hip is the most dangerous complication and always requires an operation.

In addition to the medical complications in the case of injuries or fractures, falls can also originate psychological or social upsets. "The post-fall syndrome is very important as people who fall, especially if they break a bone, become afraid of falling again. By staying in the house, they increase their immobility, their muscles atrophy, they lose strength, agility and become socially isolated."