Seniors beware: Falls can be fatal!
If you are elderly and fall and break a hip, you have a 50% chance of dying within a year of your fall. These are shocking figures!
After a broken hip, the mortality rate among the elderly is alarmingly high. Approximately 50% of people over 65 die within a year after a hip fracture, especially when there is a fragile health. About 100,000 people die 30% within the first month after surgery. The complications that can occur after surgery, such as pneumonia, infections or thrombosis, contribute greatly to this high mortality rate.(National Healthcare Guide) (Pharmacy News) (Skipr).
Older people with a hip fracture not only face physical complications, but often also cognitive decline and psychological consequences such as depression and anxiety, which further complicates recovery.
In the Netherlands, approximately 20.000 elderly people break their hips each year, with an average age of 84. This shows the seriousness of the situation.
Why is a hip fracture so deadly?
Death in seniors after a hip fracture is relatively common and has multiple causes, both physical and social.
Physical complications
Hip fractures are serious injuries, especially in older people, because their bodies often heal less well. Here are some important physical factors:
- Reduced mobility: A hip fracture significantly limits mobility. Seniors who lose their mobility are at greater risk for complications such as pneumonia or blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), because they move less.
- Weakened bones: Often, older people suffer from osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and break more easily. After a fracture, recovery is more difficult because the bone quality is already poor.
- Surgery and anesthesia: Many seniors require surgery after a hip fracture. Surgery itself carries risks, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions. Anesthesia and the stress of surgery can be hard on an older body.
- Chronic conditions: Many older people have additional health problems such as heart disease, diabetes or lung problems. A hip fracture can worsen these conditions, increasing the risk of complications.
Reduced quality of life
A hip fracture not only has physical consequences, but also has a major impact on the quality of life. Elderly people often become dependent on care after a fall and lose their independence. This can lead to feelings of depression and isolation. Psychological factors can have a negative impact on their general health and ability to recover.
Increased risk of infections
After a hip fracture, many seniors end up in the hospital or rehabilitation centers. In such settings, there is a greater risk of infections, such as hospital-acquired germs (e.g. MRSA) and pneumonia, which can hinder their recovery or be life-threatening.
Decreased muscle strength and balance
Older adults recovering from a hip fracture often lose muscle mass and strength, further limiting their ability to move independently. This makes them more vulnerable to further falls and other health problems, such as pressure sores from prolonged bed rest.
Long term recovery and complications
Hip fracture recovery is often long, and many older adults never return to the level of physical activity they were doing before the fall. This can lead to a cascade of problems such as muscle wasting, weight loss, and deterioration of their general condition, which increases their risk of death.
Underlying weakness
A fall resulting in a hip fracture is often a sign of a general decline in health. People who are more physically or mentally vulnerable are more likely to have a serious fall. The hip fracture is not the cause, but rather a symptom of a broader physical decline.
In summary, many seniors die after hip fracture due to a combination of physical complications, reduced mobility, decreased quality of life, and underlying health conditions. Recovery can be complex and lengthy, and unfortunately, not everyone makes it due to the various associated risks.
What can seniors do to prevent falls and hip fractures?
Seniors can take several steps to reduce their risk of falling and breaking their hip. Here are some important preventive steps:
Stay physically active
- Muscle strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles around the hips, legs, and abdomen improves balance and stability. Exercises such as walking, swimming, or yoga can help maintain and strengthen muscles.
- Balance and equilibrium exercises: Specific exercises such as Tai Chi can improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Prevent osteoporosis
- Nutritional supplements: A healthy diet rich in calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and K2, along with any prescribed medications, can help strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Bone density check: Regular checks to measure bone density (Dexa scan) can help detect osteoporosis early and take preventive measures.
Provide a safe living environment
- Remove fall risks: Remove loose rugs, electrical cords, and other obstacles in your home that could cause you to trip.
- Install resources: Installing grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats and well-lit hallways can reduce the risk of falls.
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Good shoes: Wear sturdy, well-fitting shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid shoes with slippery soles or high heels.
Regular health checks
- Eye and ear checks: Poor vision or hearing loss can increase the risk of falling. Regular check-ups can help to address any problems in time.
- Medication review: Some medications can cause dizziness or decreased alertness. Have your doctor check your medication regularly to reduce side effects.
Use a walking aid if necessary
- Rollator or walking stick: If walking becomes more difficult or balance is impaired, a walking aid such as a walking stick or rollator can provide additional support.
Fall prevention begins with a combination of physical activity, a safe living environment, and medical care. Fall prevention can significantly reduce the risk of hip fracture and contribute to a better quality of life.
Want to read more about how to get or maintain strong bones with supplements? Read more here: https://www.ergogenics.org/archief-sterke-botten.html
About this blogger
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Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
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Broke my hip 23 years ago (50 years old) got an infection after the surgery, 10 days of antibiotics infusion..lost 23 kilos in those 10 days
My very old mother recently fell and had a hip fracture. Before the operation a phone call from the doctor about the possible future since she also has Alzheimer's and therefore ask how to act in case of complications.
So far so good but the real complications will come in a few weeks or months so that will be a return for the good cause. Last month my father-in-law had to fight a death struggle in the ICU with a leaky gut that makes you wonder what his desired dignity in suffering means to a Thai doctor. So it is absolutely not what I would want despite the fact that I am then heavily on nitrazine and morphine and have a constant high.
In Thailand it was a 280 km drive every few days to be there for the expected last hours, but to the Netherlands it is a different story because for many that is a difficult financial story every week if you have respect for your mother and I fear that many, including me, have not always realised that when choosing to live abroad.