Anyone can become injured in some type of way at any time in their life, but senior citizens (those over the age of 65) are more prone to certain injuries than other age groups. As we age, our muscles become weaker, our bones more fragile, our joints stiffer, and our balance isn’t as good as it once was. All of these factors make it more likely that a senior citizen will be injured, so it’s important to know what types of injuries are the most common and how they can be prevented.
#1: Falls: Sprains, Broken Bones, etc.
Falls are the number one injury that’s more common among senior citizens, with about 33% of all senior citizens experiencing a fall. Falls are more common among this age group because of the factors listed above and can cause a variety of problems for those who experience them. Head trauma is something that can result from a fall, and it’s very concerning because it increases the likelihood of developing certain types of dementia.
Hip dislocation, sprains, and broken bones are also a concern since our joints, muscles, and bones are more fragile at this age. Another concern is death from a fall, which can also happen to senior citizens.
A healthy and active lifestyle can reduce the risk of an elder fall. Seniors can benefit from low-impact workouts that involve stretching (to decrease the risk of sprains and strains) and water aerobics (to increase endurance and strengthen the muscles and bones). Eating a healthy diet and/or consuming vitamin D, calcium, and collagen supplements (as directed by a doctor) can also aid in strengthening the bones and joints. Also, ensure that the home that the senior lives in is a safe environment, free from tripping and slipping hazards.
For seniors who need extra assistance or those who are recovering from an injury, considering a private caregiver can be a wise choice. They not only provide support with daily activities but can also offer guidance on exercises and nutrition tailored to each individual’s needs.
For a more comfortable and secure environment, some seniors may choose to transition into assisted living communities. These communities are designed to promote wellness and healthy aging while providing support tailored to individual needs. In addition, moving into a senior living facility can help reduce the risks associated with living alone and create opportunities for social engagement.
Moving into a senior living facility also offers the benefit of a built-in community. Prioritizing emotionally healthy relationships for seniors can significantly improve their overall mental well-being and daily engagement. Staying connected with peers and loved ones helps prevent the isolation that often leads to physical decline.
#2: Burns
Burns are also very common among the elderly, as they’re the second leading cause of death from an injury for this age group. Unfortunately, younger people benefit more from fire treatments than the elderly do, which is why fire and heat-related injuries are more deadly for them. A reason for this type of injury can be due to the fact that seniors tend to forget to turn burners off once they’re done cooking a meal and then accidentally touch it or lean against it, burning themselves. Senior burns may also result from forgetting to put a candle out, which can also create a fire hazard.
An easy way to prevent this accident from occurring is to place fire extinguishers in the kitchen and throughout the house. Another solution is to invest in smart devices for their home. This can include a stove that automatically turns burners off after a certain amount of time and smart smoke detectors that detect both smoke and carbon monoxide.
#3: Choking
Choking isn’t always noted as an “injury” that occurs among the elderly, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s a lot more common than many people realize— and it’s preventable. Another thing that decreases as we age is our saliva production, and this combined with common dental issues seen in older age increases the risk of choking. Instances of death from choking are likely to occur among senior citizens living alone and even those not treated correctly.
A senior’s risk of choking can be decreased by eating slower and taking smaller bites, sitting while eating, and chewing food correctly before swallowing. It’s also important to ensure that their dentures are properly fitted (for those who wear them) to make chewing easier.
It’s important to consistently check in on the elders in your life who are aging in place (still living in their own homes), especially if they live alone. These accidents are more likely to happen when there is no one else around, and unfortunately, in poor-quality assisted living facilities. All of these accidents are preventable, you just have to take the steps necessary to prevent them.