[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][nectar_animated_title heading_tag=”h1″ style=”color-strip-reveal” color=”Accent-Color” text=”Risk of Falls in Elderly”][image_with_animation image_url=”6487″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]The coronavirus pandemic means that people are more likely to be isolated, meaning there is a greater risk of falls in elderly people’s homes. Bone Makar is a company which produces a supplement for improving bone health. We have some ideas about what individuals can do to avoid risks and mitigate the effects of falls and other mishaps.

Risk for Injury Related to Falls

Falling is one of the most prominent risk factors for elderly people in the United States. Falls are responsible for 70 percent of accidental deaths in people over 75 or older. Annually, around 9,500 deaths in older Americans are related to falls, and one in three suffers a fall every year. The risk of falling increases as people age, as does the risk of complications as a result of a fall. In normal, non-social distancing conditions, this apprehension can cause older adults to withdraw from activities and going outside, in an attempt to reduce the risk of a fall. However, it is possible to strike a balance between social activity and fall precautions, to stay active while minimizing risk.

Living Alone? Minimize Your Fall Risk

There are many factors that can contribute to falls in older people.

  • Deteriorating senses: It is common for seniors to have weaker eyesight, hearing, and reflexes than when they were younger, all of which can impede their ability to maintain their balance.
  • Health: Diabetes, heart disease, problems with the feet, thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels can all make it more difficult to stay upright.
  • Medication: At advanced ages, some of the medication individuals are likely to be on can have side effects of drowsiness or dizziness, increasing the probability of a fall occuring. 
  • Home environment: It’s possible that the setup of an individual’s home can make them more prone to falling. Poorly-lit areas, especially stairs, are a concern. 
  • Mental status: Individuals that are prone to disorientation are likelier to suffer from falls, as panic and confusion tend to undermine the acuity of the senses and can cause dizziness or worse.

Reducing the risk of falls isn’t just a single isolated step one can take. It’s about taking care of one’s overall health. A fall rarely occurs in isolation: it is typically the culmination of a pattern of neglect, either personal or by those responsible for the individual’s care. Following the steps below is a good general strategy for fall prevention measures.

  • Be physically active: Physical activities, particularly mild ones such as walking or swimming, can preserve flexibility in elderly joints, ligaments and tendons, tone muscles to keep individuals strong, and slow bone loss from osteoporosis.
  • Wear the right footwear: Seniors should be wearing shoes or socks that minimize your chance of taking a tumble. Lace-up shoes with non-skid soles will provide foot support, or non-skid, rubber-soled shoes with low heels. Shoes with overly thin or thick soles should be avoided, as should walking on floors or especially stairs in socks, and shoes or slippers with smooth soles.
  • Regularly test hearing and vision: Elderly people need to check that any deterioration in their vision or hearing is being compensated for.
  • Stand slowly: Standing up too quickly can cause a sudden change in blood pressure which may make a person feel wobbly. A health professional can assess the patient’s blood pressure while standing and lying down to see if this is a serious issue.
  • Report all falls: When seeing a doctor or other health professional, it’s important that a senior reports their history of falls, if any, since the last time they were seen. Even if no harm was sustained, a fall can indicate that something is not right, especially if combined with other issues on this list.

Make a Home Fall Risk Assessment

It is possible to take steps to better safeguard a senior’s home against falling hazards. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following steps to prevent breaking bones in falls.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-minus-sign” color=”Accent-Color”]

Get Rid of Trip Hazards:

Anything on the floor that is out of immediate line of sight, any raised steps or thresholds that are not signaled with fluorescent tape, or throw rugs. Avoid tossing clothes, newspapers, books, or mugs or glasses on the ground, and discourage any pets from lying around in areas the elderly person is likely to walk.[/text-with-icon][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”fa fa-stumbleupon” color=”Accent-Color”]

Add Bars:

If there must be stairs in the home, make sure there are railings on both sides so that seniors can stabilize themselves. It’s also a good idea to have bars by the toilet, bath, and shower.[/text-with-icon][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-lightbulb” color=”Accent-Color”]

Keep Things Well-Lit:

Help older eyes see more clearly by having high-wattage bulbs installed, or adding extra lamps.[/text-with-icon][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Strengthen Your Bones While in Self-isolation

Without access to the gym or other fitness centers during the coronavirus lockdown, it can be difficult to stick to a bone loss prevention program involving physical activity. While having strong bones won’t necessarily prevent falls, it will mean the likelihood of a hip fracture or other severe injury is lessened.[/vc_column_text][image_with_animation image_url=”6491″ alignment=”” animation=”Fade In” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]

  • Consume Vitamin D and calcium: Both of these substances help build healthy bone mass.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol use: These habits can decrease bone mass, which makes it more likely that bones will break under pressure.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: The key word here is healthy. Both being underweight and overweight can jeopardize your bones.
  • Use Bone Makar: Our powerful natural supplement stimulates the rebuilding of bones, encouraging stem cells to support bone growth.

Bone Makar is available through our online store, a calcium-enriched food supplement using a naturally-derived antioxidant called PCA. Studies show that its use stimulates bone cells to produce bone. Add it to your family’s plan for bone-strengthening today.

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