Program aims to keep seniors on their feet
One in every three Canadians over 65 are just a step away from falling, and that slip, trip or stumble can have serious consequences. Older Canadians are nine times more likely to suffer an injury from a fall leading to hospitalization or worse. That is why the Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) and its provincial member associations are launching Best Foot Forward, a public education program aimed at preventing falls in seniors. The program follows a Public Health Agency of Canada report detailing the debilitating and sometimes dire consequences of seniors’ falls.
“Falling among older Canadians is a serious public health concern,” says CCA President, Dr. Richard Gehrke, DC. “More than 90% of all hip fractures in seniors are caused by a fall, and one-fifth of those seniors will die within a year of the fracture.”
“We want to keep older Canadians on their feet and enjoying their independence as long as possible,” says Dr. Gehrke. “A fall is far more likely to mean surgery, lengthy rehabilitation and restricted activities for an older Canadian than for a younger one. It’s a domino effect that can lead to isolation and inactivity. That’s something we want to help prevent.”
“Best Foot Forward offers practical advice on many aspects of prevention that most older Canadians can do easily,” says Dr. Brian Gleberzon, DC, who acted as a consultant on the national Report on Seniors’ Falls in Canada and who helped develop the program. “Preventing a fall can be as simple as changing your footwear, taking off your reading glasses before walking to the next room or removing slippery scatter mats.”
“The message we want to get across is – don’t let a fall get you down. Slips, trips and stumbles are preventable,” concludes Dr. Gleberzon.
A self-assessment quiz and illustrated prevention tip sheets covering household hazards, health risks, strength and balance, and safety-conscious behaviour can be obtained at no charge from the CCA or downloaded from the Association website at www.ccachiro.org. Prevention presentations to groups can also be arranged by calling the Canadian Chiropractic Association at 416.585.7902 or 1.877.222.9303.
“Best Foot Forward marshals the expertise of the chiropractic profession to bring practical prevention advice to older Canadians across the country,” says Dr. Gehrke. “Chiropractors are experts in muscle, bone and joint health, and grassroots practitioners are in an excellent position to bring the prevention message to their communities.”
Who Falls?
• 1 in 3 Canadians over 65 who are living independently will fall each year; a 9 times greater risk than for those under 65.
• The risk of falling increases with increasing age.
• Women are more likely to fall than men.
What Are Some of the Risks for Falling?
• Most falls take place in the home, particularly going up or down stairs.
• Multiple medications including pharmaceutical/nutraceutical combinations increase the risk.
• Poor eyesight and hearing, and impaired strength and balance are among the physical risk factors.
What Are the Consequences?
• 40% of all nursing home admissions occur as a result of falls by older people.
• Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury among older Canadians.
• 90% of all hip fractures in seniors are the result of a fall: 20% die within a year of the fracture.
• Almost 75% of older Canadians who fall receive medical treatment; 65% report to hospital emergency.
• Almost 40% are admitted to hospital for at least
one night.
• Falls and fear of falling lead to isolation that affects a senior’s overall mental and physical health
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