By the end of 20 1 1, there were 1 elderly people in every four registered residents in Shanghai. Statistics show that about 265,438+0% of men and 44% of women over the age of 65 have fallen, and this proportion is still increasing with age. Because many elderly people suffer from osteoporosis, about one in ten people will be seriously injured after falling, such as head injury and hip fracture, and the resulting bedridden will bring physical and mental pain to the elderly and their families. At present, falling has become one of the important reasons that affect the quality of life of the elderly and lead to death.
Disease is the main cause of falls among the elderly. Stroke, Parkinson's disease, senile arthritis, etc. It will lead to the decrease of muscle strength of lower limbs, limited joint activity and decreased balance and coordination ability. Presbyopia, cataract, glaucoma and other common eye diseases in the elderly will lead to visual impairment. The decrease of drug and vascular nerve reaction easily leads to postural hypotension, which leads to insufficient blood supply to the brain and fainting. Sedatives, psychotropic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, hypoglycemic drugs, etc. If taken improperly, it may cause the elderly to faint.
Experts suggest that in addition to actively treating diseases and rationally using drugs, the elderly should also pay attention to the following details in their daily lives.
First of all, improving the living environment at home is very important to prevent falls.
In bright light, the colors of indoor tables, chairs and floors should be as different as possible, and it is best to set up induction lighting in corridors, thresholds or stairs at night.
Clean walkways The simpler the indoor layout for the elderly, the better. It is best not to have obstacles in the range of activities, especially at the threshold and corridor.
Non-slip floor It is best to use non-slip floor in the living room to avoid waxing. The bathroom should use floor tiles with good grip and need not be polished. Sticking anti-slip strips in the bathroom, stairs and under the bed helps to prevent the elderly from falling.
Stable handrails, walkways, stairs and bathrooms, chairs, toilets and beds, thresholds and bathtubs. Can help the elderly keep their balance when they get up.
In addition to the non-slip floor and necessary handrails, it is best for the elderly to avoid using the bathtub or install handrails beside the bathtub. Anti-slip devices must be used inside and outside the bathtub.
Secondly, when the elderly go out, if they walk unsteadily, it is best to use crutches or walkers to increase the stability of walking. Try not to take potholes, ponds, paths covered with fallen leaves, and roads with poor road conditions. Playing Tai Ji Chuan and passing the ball at ordinary times are helpful to improve the balance ability of the elderly.
In recent years, the Municipal Health Promotion Office (Ivy Office) has carried out "fall prevention training" for the elderly in all community health self-management groups in the city, and equipped all groups with "balanced exercises for the elderly" CDs. After the training, the awareness rate of related knowledge and the confidence of preventing falls of the elderly in the community have been significantly improved.