Are You at Risk for Falling?
A quick assessment of your balance can let you be
more informed about your risk of falling.
One-third of adults over the age of 65 years fall at least once each
year. These falls can cause serious
problems including hospitalizations and need for placement into a long-term
care facility. Falls are the most common
cause of traumatic brain injuries, and over 95% of hip fractures are caused by
an individual falling down. Research has
shown an increased chance of an injury with falls if the individual can not
stand on one foot for at least 5 seconds without assistance. In fact, many studies have been performed to
assess the average person’s balance while standing on one foot.
Age
18-69: 30-45 seconds
Age
70-79: 16-21 seconds
Age
80-99: 8-13 seconds
A physical
therapist can help improve your balance and decrease your risk for falls. Please consult your doctor if you are having
trouble with your balance or have a history of falls and he can write you a
script for physical therapy.
Resources:
Journal of Geriatric Physical
Therapy, Vol. 20; 1:07
