Traumatism poses a serious threat to the health and life of people of all ages. Every year, millions of inhabitants of the whole world due to personal carelessness and negligence or by someone’s criminal negligence and irresponsibility are injured, become disabled, and lose their lives.
Injuries are also frequent in the elderly. The causes of these injuries can be divided into internal and external.
Internal causes are associated with age-related changes in the musculoskeletal system, organs of vision and cardiovascular system.
External causes are associated with the wrong organization of safe movement, low safety of the dwelling, uncomfortable shoes, the lack of auxiliary vehicles (canes, walkers), etc.
In the elderly and senile age, there are problems with gait against the background of neurological and vascular diseases, pathology of the musculoskeletal system: muscle atrophy, joint pain, loss of their flexibility.
Taking many drugs, especially several at the same time, changes the state of vascular tone, which often leads to a fall.
The risk of falling is large in people who are not enough (no more than 4 hours a day) are in an upright position, as well as those who cannot sit down and stand up without outside help, who are in a depressed, depressive state, for those who suffer from syncopal states (short-term disconnections of consciousness).
Such factors as ice in the winter, the uneven surface of the road, poor illumination, lack of outside help from people in need, etc. are of no small importance.
In 50% of cases, the fall occur at home, especially often in the bathroom and bedroom. Many elderly people get injuries without witnesses, which deprives them of quick help.
Treatment of the consequences of serious injuries obtained under various circumstances is expensive both the patient and his family. A person has to survive a psychic trauma: to re -gain confidence in his physical strength, to overcome the fear of repeated falls. The consequences of fractures are often a loss of independence, the need to hire a nurse, ask for the help of relatives and friends. The restriction of the ability to move makes the recovering for a long time lying, which adversely affects his well-being: constipation arises, undergraduates, due to age-related disturbances in thermoregulation-hypothermia and pneumonia. Such patients often have depression, thoughts of suicide.
In such a period, attention is especially important, concern for the affected by his relatives and friends.
Recommendations for elderly people on the prevention of injuries.
Prevention of injuries, falls, injuries in old age largely depends on the person himself, his lifestyle, behavior and attention. In this regard, it is recommended:
- Timely detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, arthrosis, osteoporosis.
- It is necessary to periodically check vision and hearing in order to timely order stronger glasses or hearing aids.
- Performing a doctor at home at home for training equilibrium and muscles, as well as daily walking.
- Support for the optimum temperature in the living room, since its significant changes worsen the blood supply to the brain, which leads to a violation of coordination of movements.
- Regular walks, swimming, light gymnastics help maintain vigor and mobility.
- It is undesirable to leave the house in the dark, in very cold weather, when it is snowing and slippery. In winter, it is advisable to use a cane or walk accompanied by loved ones to prevent falls during walks, it is especially important when crossing the street, when descending from the stairs and lifting along it.
- When returning home in the dark, it is desirable to accompany friends or friends, while choosing a route in crowded and lit places.
- It is important to choose the right shoes. It should be free, but not too large, soft and on corrugated soles.
- An important role is played by the furniture in the room where the elderly man lives. So, the bed should be not lower than 60 centimeters, the chairs should be shallow, soft, the backs of the seats-high so that there is support for the head. When getting out of bed, sharp movements should be avoided.
- Trauma can often be obtained during washing, bathing, so relatives or maintenance personnel should be collected in the bathroom. The bathroom should be equipped with handrails, a support and a special bench that is attached to the edge of the bath. A rubber mat must be laid on the bathroom floor.
- If an elderly person was in the hospital, he must be familiarized with the location of the chamber, procedural office, toilet, and dining room.
Older people should always calculate their strength and capabilities of the body.
A decrease in injuries in elderly people is possible not only if the state cares about this category of population, but also with the careful attitude of citizens themselves to their health and safety.
