How can older people protect themselves from dangerous falls?

How can the risk of falls in old people be reduced??

Falls are a major cause of injury and death in the elderly. About one in three adults aged 65 and over has already fallen heavily. Researchers have now studied how older people can protect themselves from falls and generally reduce the risk of falls.

The scientists of U.S. Preventive Services Task Force found in their current research that falls are a major cause of injury and death in older adults. However, regular exercise and exercise can effectively protect against falls. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "JAMA".

Older people have a much higher risk of suffering severe falls. Physicians now examined how those affected can protect themselves from such falls. (Image: Christian Delbert / fotolia.com)

Results of several studies were analyzed

The experts analyzed the results of about twenty different studies with participants over the age of 65 years. Half of these studies included people at high risk of falls. By combining multiple studies, scientists have found that regular exercise and exercise reduces the likelihood of falls and injuries related to falls.

Various training programs were very effective

A series of training interventions were investigated, all of which appeared to be effective, said Professor Dr. Alex Krist of U.S. Pat. Preventive Services Task Force. The exercise programs focused on strength and resistance training as well as balance and gait. They included individual and group exercises as well as referrals to a physiotherapist or participation in classes such as Tai Chi, explains Professor Dr. med. Krist next.

Vitamin D supplementation does not protect against falls

The majority of the studies invited the participants to participate in physical exercises three times a week for one year. By completing the exercise programs, the risk of falling fell by ten to twenty percent, Krist adds. Evidence for the benefits of vitamin D supplementation was also reviewed. As a result, the experts changed their recommendation from 2012, which said that older people over the age of 65 can protect themselves from falls by so-called vitamin D supplementation. The physicians advise against it, except those affected suffer from osteoporosis or vitamin D deficiency. After reviewing several studies on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in fall prevention, the working group saw no consistent benefit.

Vitamin D does not prevent fractures in falls

The analyzes showed neither a significant reduction in falls nor a significant effect on the number of individuals who have suffered a decline in vitamin D supplementation, the authors of the report write. The recommendation applies to older adults without vitamin D deficiency, says Professor Krist. It has been found that vitamin D in this group does not prevent falls and avoid lower doses of vitamin D and calcium fractures.

Should not older people take vitamin D in general?

Given that vitamin D deficiency is common in older adults and over twenty percent of the population is suffering from such a deficiency, the question naturally arises why vitamin D supplementation is not generally recommended for all older adults. People should try to get a healthy dose of vitamin D and calcium through their normal lifestyle, the doctors advise. It is uncertain whether taking it as a nutritional supplement is beneficial or harmful on the whole. Krist.

For some people, vitamin D supplementation makes sense

For example, one of the studies analyzed showed an increased risk of developing kidney stones in women, consuming 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D and 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily. For patients at increased risk for osteoporosis, patients with vitamin D deficiency, or both, supplementation with vitamin D (800-1000 IU / d or more) may be useful.

Further research should confirm the results

The analysis concludes that there will be more evidence in the coming years to determine if higher doses of vitamin D supplementation may be helpful in fractures and falls. Two clinical trials are currently ongoing in the US and Europe, testing 2000 IU daily of vitamin D versus placebo. Thus, physicians will soon have more data available to make their treatment decisions in these important areas, explain the physicians. (As)