By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    healthcare cybersecurity
    4 Helpful Tips on How to Protect Your Medical Practice Against Cyber Attacks
    October 24, 2021
    Health Check Diagnosis Medical Condition Analysis Concept
    6 Health Woes With Online Remedies
    January 19, 2022
    Eight Things Men Should Know About the Male Menopause
    Eight Things Men Should Know About the Male Menopause
    April 24, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    healthy nursing school habits
    Healthy Habits for Nursing Student Nursing School Students
    May 24, 2024
    High Deductables
    High-Deductible Insurance and Rising Bad Debt
    July 24, 2015
    How People Are Taking Advantage of Health Deals in the Recent Recession
    February 5, 2021
    Latest News
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
    Strengthening Healthcare Systems Through Clinical and Administrative Career Development
    June 13, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Why Seniors Are At Elevated Risk Of Injury (And How To Keep Them Safe)
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Senior Care > Why Seniors Are At Elevated Risk Of Injury (And How To Keep Them Safe)
Senior Care

Why Seniors Are At Elevated Risk Of Injury (And How To Keep Them Safe)

Kristel Staci
Last updated: March 12, 2020 7:09 pm
Kristel Staci
Share
6 Min Read
SHARE

  I recently had a discussion with a friend that is taking care of her elderly mother. She said that her mother had experienced a couple of falls over the past three years. Sadly, this is a common issue for people taking care of aging loved ones. No group is immune to the risk of injury. However, some demographics are far more prone to injuries than others. Seniors are at an especially high risk of injury. Approximately 25% of all adults over the age of 65 experience a slip or fall every year. The problems this causes cannot be ignored. Seniors that fall often endure fractured hips. The consequences of injuries to seniors are more problematic than most people believe. One in four seniors that fracture a hip will die from the injury within six months. It is important for seniors and their caretakers to understand the reasons they are more prone to injuries. This helps them create a plan that minimizes the risks. It is a good idea to have this plan documented by nursing homes and other caretakers. The experts at LampertWalsh.com suggest this can help in the event of a lawsuit.

Contents
Why are seniors at a greater risk of injury?Coordination problemsLow bone densityDementia and other mental health issuesObesityDiabetesWhat precautions can seniors and their caretakers take to avoid these issues?Follow a sound dietGet adequate exercise without strainingInstall handrails in showersGet treatment for coordination issues

Why are seniors at a greater risk of injury?

There are numerous reasons that seniors are prone to suffering injuries. Some of the biggest reasons are listed below.

Coordination problems

Seniors tend to have worsened coordination as they get older. This can increase the risk of injuries in numerous ways. They are more prone to fall while walking, get into car accidents or slip in the shower.

Low bone density

Seniors are at an elevated risk of osteoporosis and other problems caused by low bone density. Nearly 34 million adults have reduced bone mass. The majority of them are seniors. This puts them at a higher risk of fractures, spirals and other bone breaks. It can also impair strength, which leads to seniors overexerting themselves when doing physical work.

More Read

Top Self-Care Tips For Aging Gracefully And Happily
6 Engaging Activities To Help Senior Parents Fight Dementia
How to Choose the Best Senior Living Community for You
Seven Healthcare Tips To Keep The Senior In Your Life Healthy And Safe
5 Ways To Take Care Of Your Health After 65

Dementia and other mental health issues

Dementia is a growing problem with seniors. Almost 14% of adults over the age of 71 have the disease. An even greater number of seniors have other mental health issues. These mental health issues put seniors at a greater risk of making poor decisions that can lead to injury.

Obesity

Obesity is another common health problem facing seniors in 2020. Seniors tend to be less active as they get older, but don’t always adjust their dietary habits to reflect this lifestyle change. In addition to diabetes and other health risks, obesity directly increases the risk of injury. Overweight seniors can suffer more serious injuries if they fall. They are also more likely to have coordination issues that increase the risk of falling or knocking foreign objects onto themselves.

Diabetes

Diabetes is another very serious health issue for seniors. The American Diabetes Association reports that 25.2% of seniors have diabetes. Most of the health problems diabetes causes are well known. However, most people don’t realize that it increases the risk of injury after an accident in some cases. One of the biggest reasons is that people with diabetes are at an increased risk of hemophilia. If they are cut, then they can have serious blood clotting issues. seniors with diabetes might also need to restrict their diet in ways that can lead to other injury risks, such as drinking less milk and increasing their likelihood of developing osteoporosis.

What precautions can seniors and their caretakers take to avoid these issues?

All seniors and people responsible for their care need to develop an accident preventive plan. Some of the elements of this plan should include the following.

Follow a sound diet

There are countless reasons seniors need to eat properly as they get older. One of the most overlooked reasons is that a good diet keeps their bones strong and helps them be more resilient if they have an accident.

Get adequate exercise without straining

All seniors should make sure they get plenty of exercise every day. Unfortunately, it is easy to go too far and injure themselves in the process. Seniors need to find safe ways to be active to stay healthy without hurting themselves in the process. Medical professionals can provide proper guidance.

Install handrails in showers

Seniors are at a greater risk of falls in the shower. They can reduce this risk by putting in handrails on the walls.

Get treatment for coordination issues

Seniors that feel disoriented or uncoordinated should get evaluated. They might be able to treat the problem by getting certain medications from a neurologist. This can minimize the risk of an injury down the road.

TAGGED:elder careinjury risksenior injury riskseniors
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025
scientist using microscope
When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
Global Healthcare
June 18, 2025

You Might also Like

Wellness

The Best Ways For Menopausal Women To Stay Fit

March 27, 2019
Senior Care

Happy, Healthy Recovery – How to Make the Most of Respite Care

May 16, 2019
Senior Care

Why Finding A Hobby Is So Important To Senior Health

November 14, 2019
Senior CareSkinSpecialtiesWellness

Is Collagen Therapy a Worthwhile Treatment for Aging Adults?

May 31, 2020
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?