Chronic Health Conditions & Falls

Report:  Chronic Conditions and the High Risk of Falling

While seniors want to preserve their independence and remain active, at least one in three falls in the U.S. every year. In recognition of Fall Prevention Awareness Month and the need to better understand this growing problem, Philips conducted a retrospective study of self-reported fall rates of more than 145,000 seniors using its Lifeline Medical Alert solutions. Read more

Seniors with Chronic Health Conditions Face Increased Risk of Falling

As we age, our reflexes slow down, we lose muscle mass, and our vision may not be as acute, causing us to misjudge depths and distances. Over time, these physical changes can compound and lead to a risk of falling. But the presence of a chronic condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, cognitive impairment, COPD, or arthritis, can multiply the risk. Read more

The Cascade Effect of Multiple Chronic Conditions: Why Co-Morbidity Can Lead to Increased Risk of Falling in Older Adults

Perhaps you have arthritis, and your stiff, painful joints make it all too easy to stumble and lose your balance. Or you may have cognitive impairment from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and can no longer accurately judge the relationship between your foot and the floor. Then, add one or more additional chronic conditions and every step becomes — quite literally — a balancing act. Read more

Don’t Let Your Medication Solutions Cause More Problems

For many seniors, taking multiple medications to keep chronic conditions in check is just part of the daily routine. But some medications — or combinations of medications — could put you at an additional risk for falls. Read more

How Common Health Conditions Increase Fall Risk for Seniors

As we age, we experience physical changes and become more susceptible to some types of health conditions. While we often cannot avoid some illnesses, we can get a better understanding of how they might affect the likelihood of falls. Read more

10 Health Conditions That Call for a Risk Assessment

Each year, more than 2.5 million older adults suffer fall injuries that require a trip to the hospital, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Knowing the risks your senior faces can help prevent many of these falls. Read more

4 Risk Factors That Increase Your Chance of Falling

The more fall risk factors you have, the higher your chance of falling. Risk factors can include vision problems, balance issues, muscle deterioration, and certain diseases. Read more

How to Help Seniors with Chronic Medical Conditions Reduce Fall Risk

Falls are not a diagnosis in and of themselves but rather a symptom or a warning sign. The first line of defense in reducing fall risk is identifying and addressing any underlying diseases or medical conditions that predispose an older person to spills, trips, and slips. Read more

Falls Prevention Awareness Day: Preventing Falls In and Outside the Home

The first day of autumn is also Falls Prevention Awareness Day, sponsored by the National Council on Aging. This year the theme is Take a Stand to Prevent Falls, which is an important issue with our aging population. Read more