A Scientific Take on Why Seniors Fall

A very youthful looking senior in the process of falling.

From the Best Bath Blog (how's that for alliteration?) comes some useful information on why we tend to fall more often as we age.

Why do people, as they get older, tend to fall more than when they were younger?  Here are some statistics on falling from the National Safety Council on the subject:

“In 2007, more than 21,700 Americans died as a result of falls and more than 7.9 million were injured by a fall including over 1.8 million older adults who had a fall-related injury that resulted in an emergency room visit. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults 73 and older and the second leading cause of death from ages 60-72.”

So, here’s how they explain falling: it’s about timing. The brain is sending out and receiving signals through the nervous system to the far reaching corners of the body. It takes a certain amount of time to transmit those signals back and forth.  When infants are learning to walk, they are calibrating the timing of these signals through trial and error. Once they get it figured out, they are officially walking.
As we get older, these signals can be slowed or altered due to damage to the sheathing around the nerves. So, we are faced with having to recalibrate the timing. When we walk, the brain is sending out instructions, but if the foot hasn’t hit the ground by the time the brain expects it to, it sends out a corrective motor command that can lead to a fall.

The Aging in Place Technology Watch blog has posted links to some more studies on why falls happen. And, click here to learn more about how you can prevent falls.

Access Ability Now, Inc carries and installs Best Bath Systems products, which are designed to eliminate the barriers that can lead to falls in the bathroom. View their complete line of low threshold and barrier free showers, walk-in tubs and safe bathing accessories here.

The future of stair lifts?

It may look unusual, but for some people, this device could mean greater freedom of mobility. Stair lifts are certainly useful for their intended purpose, but it's hard to call them stylish. Even the best looking models tend to look institutional and detract from the beauty of a staircase. Perhaps one day, we'll see devices like this become the "next-generation" stair lift.

   

What is "Aging-in-Place"?

The National Aging in Place Council, of which Access Ability Now, Inc. is a member, defines Aging-in-Place as "The ability to continue to live in one's home safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level. It means living in a familiar environment, and being able to participate in family and other community activities."

Despite the implication that Aging in Place concerns seniors only, the concept of Aging-in-Place is actually universal. Because it often embodies the principles of Universal Design, individuals of all ages can benefit from home modifications. If you or someone you know has difficulty moving in and around the house, whether because of age or disability, you should seriously consider looking into adopting an Aging-in-Place mindset. The addition of something as easy and inexpensive as a grab bar in the bathtub area, can drastically reduce the likelihood of a painful or deadly fall. Research the links referenced above and visit our Charlotte-based accessibility remodeling firm to learn how Aging-in-Place can make your life easier and more comfortable. 

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