Elderly people in Canada and around are exposed to a number of health care problems, though the most outstanding problem among older population is falls. There is no definition that can define fall properly. Someone can define fall as an accident that leads to unintentional injuries. Falls are considered to be a leading cause of death and health related injuries in older people. Even though falls are common in all age groups around the world, it’s the adults of 65+ ages who are the biggest victim of this issue. The prevalence of falls among older people is very high and it’s of great concern as the most countries population is aging rapidly. According to Skelton D (2004) around 30% of people age 65 or above fall every year and those who fall
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However, it’s still very difficult to figure out a definitive risk factor that leads to falls and therefore, it’s impossible to design a strategy to minimize that specific risk factor. Though, there is no definitive risk factor to target, falling is still an issue that can be prevented. Aging and decrease in physical activity can be considered a key individual behavior that causes fall. Decrease in physical activity is mostly common in people who are in 80s. They spend most of their time on either a chair or a bed as they think they are at the final stage of their lives where they can’t acquire new skills or can’t use the skills that they already possess. To increase activity level in community-based older people, exercising should be offered to them either at home or at specific institutions. Light physical activities will help to grow muscles strong and this will help older individuals to have a good body balance. Exercising to achieve a good body balance is not only for community-based old people, but also for older individuals in hospitals, and long term residential care settings. Skelton D (2004) believes that “Balance training, such as Tai Chi, can reduce falls in people with mild strength or balance deficits” (p.13). From external environmental determinants the building designs such as strategic housing can be considered a key environmental determinant that can minimize the falling cases among elderly people of 75 or above ages. Hospitals, Long-term facilities, and community houses where older adults live should have a friendly design. Doorknobs should be easily reachable for elder people. Stairs should have handrails on both sides to minimize the risk of falling. Floors should be slip-resistant, as elderly people are vulnerable to slipping and tripping (Skelton D, 2004). Social cognitive theory can be used to explain the target behavior of
However, it’s still very difficult to figure out a definitive risk factor that leads to falls and therefore, it’s impossible to design a strategy to minimize that specific risk factor. Though, there is no definitive risk factor to target, falling is still an issue that can be prevented. Aging and decrease in physical activity can be considered a key individual behavior that causes fall. Decrease in physical activity is mostly common in people who are in 80s. They spend most of their time on either a chair or a bed as they think they are at the final stage of their lives where they can’t acquire new skills or can’t use the skills that they already possess. To increase activity level in community-based older people, exercising should be offered to them either at home or at specific institutions. Light physical activities will help to grow muscles strong and this will help older individuals to have a good body balance. Exercising to achieve a good body balance is not only for community-based old people, but also for older individuals in hospitals, and long term residential care settings. Skelton D (2004) believes that “Balance training, such as Tai Chi, can reduce falls in people with mild strength or balance deficits” (p.13). From external environmental determinants the building designs such as strategic housing can be considered a key environmental determinant that can minimize the falling cases among elderly people of 75 or above ages. Hospitals, Long-term facilities, and community houses where older adults live should have a friendly design. Doorknobs should be easily reachable for elder people. Stairs should have handrails on both sides to minimize the risk of falling. Floors should be slip-resistant, as elderly people are vulnerable to slipping and tripping (Skelton D, 2004). Social cognitive theory can be used to explain the target behavior of