A good dose of vitamin D can help to prevent falls
Around 10pc of older people need medical treatment every year following an injury -- and falls are the main reason.
An estimated three-quarters of all fall-related deaths occur in older people and death rates have been increasing.
Fall-related deaths increase with age over 65 years and they are higher in older women.
Hip fractures are one of the most serious injuries due to a fall -- accounting for around 2,800 hospital admissions each year
Now research suggests a daily supplement of vitamin D at a dose of 700-1,000 IU reduces the risk of falling among older people by 19pc.
But a dose of less than 700 IU per day has no effect, the findings in the British Medical Journal showed. IU is an international unit of measurement for vitamins and other biologically active substances.
It said fall prevention has therefore become a public health goal, especially as the older segment of the population grows.
Other advice to avoid falls includes:
- Keep active and exercise regularly.
- Have your eyesight checked.
- Arrange furniture so that you can easily move around all your rooms.
- Fix loose or uneven steps.
- Have a light switch fitted at the top and bottom of the stairs.
- Install hand rails on both sides of the stairs. Fit grab rails next to your toilet, bath and shower and use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower.
The advice for someone who falls and is not hurt is:
- Do not get up quickly -- roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair, or bed.
- Crawl over to the piece of furniture and, if possible, put something soft under your knees.
- Hold onto the furniture with both hands to support yourself.
- Place one foot flat on the floor, with your knee bent in front of your body.
- When you feel ready, put your other foot flat on the floor and slowly get up.
If you are hurt and unable to get up:.
- Try to get someone's attention by calling out for help, banging on the wall, or floor, or using your aid call button. If possible, crawl to a telephone and dial 999.
- While you are waiting for help to arrive, get as comfortable and warm as you can.
- Try to move regularly in order to avoid getting pressure sores, and to help you keep comfortable. You should change your position at least every half an hour or so.
- Eilish O'Regan
Irish Independent
