Elderly urged to reduce their chances of falling
7 February 2001
Australia’s older population can reduce their chances of falling by taking up exercises with a strong balance component, such as T'ai Chi, according to a report released by the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC).
The report found that falls were the leading cause of injury-related deaths, hospital admissions and presentations at hospital emergency departments in older people in Victoria.
Although the report looked only at the incidence of fall injuries among Victorians aged 65 years and over, Senior Research Fellow Erin Cassell said that a number of studies were taking place in other Australian states, and the Victorian results showed a pattern that would be similar across the country.
‘Injurious falls become increasingly common with advancing age and it is projected that the number of fractures in the older age group will increase by at least 10 per cent every 5 years to 2051,’ said Ms Cassell.
‘A major challenge is to decrease the rate of falls and fall-related injuries in the older population,’ she said.
According to the report, the most common fracture site in older people presenting to hospital was the hip, and falls resulting in injury were more likely to occur in the home than in any other location.
‘We were surprised at the high fall rate, and although our report did not record the individual person’s detailed history, there may be a correlation with our older population becoming more active and exposed to more risk factors,’ Ms Cassell said.
‘However, by including more of a balance component into their exercise programme, it is possible that the chances of an injurious fall can be reduced,’ she added.
Last Reviewed: 08 February 2001
