Older People Should Stay Active To Avoid Falls

Telling grandparents to take it easy could do more harm than good, an expert has said. While many people believe the elderly should relax to prevent bumps and bruises, research suggests that being inactive could actually lead to more falls.

Experts at Derby University have found that accidents result from a combination of factors, including medical history, physical fitness and whether a person has lost their confidence or is scared of falling over.

Susie Dinan, senior research fellow at the university, said: “Not being active can do more harm than we realise. Our muscles are complex and dynamic, but if they are not used they become smaller and the effect is similar for bones. Exercise can keep muscles strong and supple and also maintain stamina and bone density. The majority of falls in older people are not caused by people rushing about at top speed and tripping.

“They are the result of a number of factors which could include for example, dizziness, poor balance and co-ordination, muscle weakness and joint stiffness and, in some cases, problems with memory and an increased number of medications and home hazards. That is not to say that older people should be taking risks and trying to do too much, but our bodies are not made for an inactive lifestyle and older people need to keep as active as they can.”

Ms Dinan, who lectures for the postgraduate certificate in osteoporosis and falls prevention and management, said one in three people in the UK aged over 65 falls every year, rising to half of those aged 80 and over. She has linked up with charities Help the Aged and Age Concern to produce research-based exercise videos and booklets to help boost fitness among older people.

Gordon Lishman, director general at Age Concern, said: “Falls are the leading cause of death through injury for people over 75 in the UK. This research suggests that keeping active not only helps keep older people fit and healthy, it can prevent falls.

“As well as costing the NHS huge amounts of money, falls can cause older people to lose their confidence to get on with everyday life and become trapped at home. There are a number of things the government can do to reduce the number of falls among older people such as reversing the decline in chiropody services and providing support for handyperson schemes.”