Summary: The Importance Of Falls Prevention

With all the changes associated with aging, the older adults are placed at greater risk for falls. As cited by Touhy and Jett (2016) “Falls are one of the most important geriatric syndromes and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality for people older than 65 years of age” (Touhy & Jett, 2016, p. 245). Akyol (2012) reported that “With an aging population, the problems associated with falls and injury will escalate unless there is a coordinated and effective approach to prevention and intervention” (Akyol, 2012, p. 194). Thus, with the increase in the number of baby boomers, the incidences of falls correspondingly rise. It must be noted, though, that it is not only the older person who falls that are impacted by the event of a fall, but also …show more content…
“Although cognitive impairment is an independent risk factor for falls, older people with cognitive impairment have usually been excluded from research studies that have shown an effect in reducing falls” (Hill & Schwarz, 2004, p. 562). Thus, results of such studies have been inconclusive since, as cited by Buchner and Larson (1988) “The association of falls and severity of cognitive impairment has clinical importance in evaluating patients who fall. However, it is incorrect to assume that cognitive impairment is the only risk factor for falls in Alzheimer-type dementia (Buchner & Larson, 1988, p. 259). Just like non-demented older adults, patients with cognitive impairments also have risk factors that generally predispose these individual to fall. Studies have shown that it is easier to detect falls from persons with intact cognitive functions than those who are cognitively impaired “Dementia makes the detection of falls more difficult and no doubt some falls were not reported. It is plausible that more demented persons with more memory dysfunction are less likely to remember and hence to report falls” (Buchner & Larson, 1988, p. 258). Finally, it could be considered that “Cognitive impairment can be a proxy for many possible factors associated with falls such as behavioral issues, lack of insight with resultant engagement in …show more content…
One challenge of aging to an older person is decreased mobility, as discussed by Myers, Young, and Langlois (1996) “Reduced physical activity is common with increasing age. Impairments in gait and balance and neuromuscular and musculoskeletal impairments frequently underlie changes in physical activity in older persons” (p. 93S). Mobility is a way for the elderly to maintain independence. As cited by Touhy and Jett (2016)
Throughout life, movement remains a significant means of personal contact, sensation, exploration, pleasure, and control. Retaining pride and maintaining dignity, self-care, independence, social contacts, and activity are all needs identified as important to elders, and all are facilitated by mobility (p. 244). Although the desire to be mobile is innate in older adults and that “maintenance of physical functions in old age is necessary in maintaining independence, the limitations in general physical functioning, including ambulation and mobility problems, and difficulty or dependence in activities of daily living increase with increasing age and have been shown… to be significant risk factors in falls in old age” (Myers, Young, & Langlois, 1996, p. 87S). Thus, the older adult needs to adjust with the limitations brought about not just mobility impairment but also of disease burden or trauma (Touhy & Jett,