Did you know? In the United States in 2018, out of 52 million individuals aged 65 and older, 36 million reported falls resulted in 8 million injuries.
Unfortunately, Zimbabwe lacks comprehensive data on this issue, which could greatly benefit our understanding of the importance of fitness and functional training for older adults, starting from age 50.
Falls and injuries are caused by various factors, including:
– Sedentary lifestyle
– Limited movement variability
– Difficulties with walking
– Balance issues
As we age, our susceptibility to falls increases due to:
– Vestibular changes (affecting the inner ear and balance system)
– Certain medications that can lead to lightheadedness, such as those used to treat hypertension or diabetes, which can cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults in the United States. I wish we had similar data for Zimbabwe.
The US data shows that:
– In 2019, over 34,000 older adults died as a result of falls.
– Older adults who experience a fall are at increased risk of dying within the next year, with some studies suggesting that the one-year mortality rate after a fall can be as high as 25-30%.
– Breaking a large bone, such as a hip fracture, is a major risk factor for mortality in older adults. Studies have shown that:
– The one-year mortality rate after a hip fracture is around 20-30%.
– The five-year mortality rate after a hip fracture is around 50-60%.
Let’s take action! We’re not advocating for the cessation of medication or physical activity but rather encouraging engagement in fitness and functional and resistance training to develop muscle strength for daily life activities and bone mineral density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Fitness is more than aesthetics and weight loss; it’s essential for overall health and well-being!
