As we get older, we become more vulnerable to certain types of injuries. With the NHS scaling up its community service teams, it’s clear that efforts are being made to keep elderly patients out of hospital. But without access to information on the best preventative measures, older people might find it much more difficult to manage their health.
No matter your relationship to the elderly individuals in your life, it’s always worth knowing about the biggest risks they face when it comes to injury.
Three types of injuries as we age
- Slips, trips, and falls
When an elderly person falls over, the consequences can be extremely dangerous. At least one in three adults ages over 65 will have one fall a year, and while most falls won’t result in serious injury, there’s always a risk of fractures and broken bones.
Even though each fall is different, there are a few injuries that medical staff frequently see amongst older patients. Common injuries include fractures to the wrists and ankles, but the most concerning (and widespread) consequence is a fractured or broken hip.
Depending on the severity, an elderly person might not be able to return to their normal selves. Certain broken bones or hip fractures could cause an individual to become withdrawn, isolated from their community, and lose not just their confidence but their mobility too.
- Motor vehicle accidents
Even though the number of fatal road traffic accidents involving at least one older driver has fallen over the past few years, it’s estimated that at least 5.6 million people aged over 70 hold a full UK driving licence.
Older people are more likely to experience problems with their eyesight, which prevents an obvious danger when it comes to navigating the roads and manoeuvring a vehicle safely.
Furthermore, confusion can pose a risk behind the wheel too. Whether it’s the early, undiagnosed stages of Alzheimer’s disease or general fatigue, older people might lack the concentration and focus required for safe driving.
However, older people are still at risk of injuries from motor vehicle accidents even when they’re not behind the wheel. When pedestrians suffer being struck by a moving vehicle, serious injuries can be the result of another person’s carelessness. In these cases, older people can claim compensation for their injuries with the support of a no-win-no-fee personal injury solicitor.
- Traumatic injuries
Unfortunately, older people are vulnerable to several types of traumas. Age-related changes in the body make it more difficult to recover from injuries, meaning that something minor might develop into a long and complex condition.
Traumatic injuries can be caused by falls or traffic accidents, but they may also stem from pre-existing health problems. For example, many older people suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, which may complicate recovery. Others might experience effects of certain medications including painkillers, which can affect healing times too.
How can older people reduce their chances of getting injured?
Where trips and falls are concerned, prevention is the most important step. Falls at home, for example, can be avoided by immediately cleaning up spillages, keeping walkways clear, and using non-slip mats. Try to make sure that all rooms are well lit – and if possible, organise your home to reduce the need for steps or slopes.
If you’re worried about an elderly friend or relative, there are plenty of ways to help. Try to proactively encourage them to keep active, as a fit and healthy body is much more likely to handle trips and falls along the way. And if you have any doubts about their ability to stay injury-free, there are several avenues to explore for specialist care and support.
