Why Hip Injuries Cause So Much Damage to the Elderly
Article overview:
Hip fractures are a significant health concern for the elderly population in Australia and New Zealand. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, hip fractures are the most common fall injury among the elderly in 2019 and 2020. The incidence rate was higher for women than men, with the highest rates observed in women aged 85 years and older.
Similarly, a study published in the New Zealand Medical Journal reported an estimated 4,558 hip fractures in New Zealand in 2013, with a projected increase to over 6,000 by 2025. Like Australia, the incidence rate was higher for women than men, with the highest rates observed in women aged 85 years and older.
These statistics highlight the need for continued efforts to prevent falls and reduce the incidence of hip fractures in the elderly population in Australia and New Zealand.
How Does a Hip Fracture Impact the Elderly?
A hip fracture can have a significant impact on an elderly person's health and well-being, and they can have serious consequences. Here are some reasons why broken hip injuries can cause so much damage to the elderly:
Reduced mobility
The hip joint is critical for standing, walking, and other activities that require movement and balance. When a hip fracture occurs, it can limit the person's ability to move freely and perform daily activities, such as getting dressed, bathing, or cooking.
In some cases, the individual may require a wheelchair or other assistive devices to move around. The loss of mobility can have a significant impact on the person's independence and quality of life, leading to increased dependence on caregivers and decreased participation in social activities. It is important to take steps to prevent hip fractures and to seek prompt medical attention if a fracture occurs to minimise the impact on mobility.
Increased risk of further injury
After a hip fracture, the individual may have reduced mobility and balance, which can make them more susceptible to falls. Additionally, the use of crutches or a walker can also increase the risk of falls. If a fall does occur, the individual may be at an increased risk of sustaining additional fractures or injuries, especially if they have osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken their bones.
Increased risk of depression
A hip fracture can increase the risk of depression in older adults. This can be due to a variety of factors, including pain, decreased mobility, social isolation, and decreased independence. The loss of mobility and independence following a hip fracture can be particularly challenging for older adults, as it may limit their ability to participate in activities they enjoy and interact with others. They may also experience feelings of helplessness, frustration, and anxiety related to their recovery process.
Depression can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life and can affect their ability to recover from a hip fracture. It is important to address any symptoms of depression and to seek appropriate treatment, such as therapy or medication, if needed.
In addition, staying socially connected and engaging in activities that promote mental and emotional well-being can help reduce the risk of depression following a hip fracture. Healthcare providers, family members, and caregivers can also play an important role in supporting older adults as they recover from a hip fracture and navigate the emotional and physical challenges associated with this type of injury.
Suggested Reading: 6 Mental Health Tips for Boosting the Wellbeing of Seniors and People Living With a Disability
Longer hospital stays
Hip fractures often require surgery, and the recovery process can be lengthy, which can result in longer hospital stays for older adults. Depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual's overall health, hospital stays can range from several days to several weeks. During this time, the individual may require specialised medical care, such as pain management, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, to facilitate their recovery and regain their mobility.
Extended hospital stays can be physically and emotionally taxing for older adults, and they may be at risk of developing complications, such as pressure ulcers or infections, while in the hospital. It is important for healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care and support during the hospital stay to ensure the individual's physical and emotional well-being.
Higher mortality rates
A hip fracture in the elderly is associated with a higher mortality rate. The mortality rate can be influenced by several factors, including the individual's age, overall health, and the severity of the fracture. The risk of mortality is highest in the first few months following the hip fracture, and older adults with pre-existing medical conditions or those who experience complications during their recovery may be at an increased risk.
Hip fractures can have a significant impact on the physical and emotional well-being of older adults, and they may be at risk of developing complications such as infections, blood clots, or pneumonia. In addition, the loss of mobility and independence following a hip fracture can lead to social isolation and a decrease in quality of life, which can also contribute to an increased risk of mortality.
Increased healthcare costs
The cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of the fracture, the individual's overall health, and the type of medical care and support required during and after the recovery process.
The cost of a hip fracture can include hospitalisation, surgery, medications, rehabilitation services, and long-term care. Older adults who experience a hip fracture may also require home health services, nursing care, or assisted living services, which can further increase the overall cost of care. In addition, the cost of a hip fracture can be compounded by the loss of income or productivity for the individual and their caregivers.
Longer recovery time
Following a hip fracture, most elderly individuals will require surgery to repair the fracture. After the surgery, a period of immobilisation and rest is often necessary to allow the bone to heal properly. During this time, the individual may need to use a wheelchair, walker, or crutches to get around and may require assistance with daily tasks such as bathing and dressing.
After the immobilisation period, physical therapy is often recommended to help the individual regain their strength, mobility, and independence. The length of the physical therapy period can vary depending on the individual's progress and their ability to perform daily tasks independently.
It is important for healthcare providers to monitor the individual's progress closely and to provide appropriate medical care and support during the recovery process. This may include pain management, medication management, and ongoing monitoring for complications such as infections or blood clots.
How Can the Elderly Lessen the Risk of Hip Fractures?
While old people are more prone to hip fractures, they can still mitigate the risks with a few simple steps. These can range from a simple exercise to making the house safer to move around in. Some of our suggestions include:
Exercising regularly
Regular weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, dancing, or strength training, can help improve bone density and strength. Stronger bones are less likely to break, which can reduce the risk of a hip fracture. Furthermore, exercise that focuses on strengthening the legs, hips, and core can improve balance, coordination, and stability, which can reduce the risk of falls.
Meanwhile, exercise that focuses on stretching and improving flexibility can help older adults maintain their mobility and reduce the risk of falls. By improving flexibility, older adults can also reduce the risk of muscle strains and injuries that can increase the risk of falls. Lastly, regular exercise can help older adults maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the risk of falls and improve overall health.
Suggested reading: Top 7 Benefits of Exercising for Seniors
Maintaining a healthy diet
A healthy diet can provide the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain strong bones and muscles, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Here are some ways that a healthy diet can help reduce the risk of hip fracture:
Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium is necessary for bone strength and structure, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Older adults should aim to consume foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D, such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fatty fish, or consider taking supplements if recommended by a healthcare provider.
Protein: Protein is important for muscle strength and repair. Older adults should aim to consume adequate amounts of protein through sources such as lean meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which are important for overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Older adults should aim to consume a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet.
Limiting Alcohol and Caffeine: Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and caffeine can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Older adults should limit their intake of these substances to reduce the risk of injury.
Suggested reading: Healthy Meal Planning Tips for Older Adults
Using assistive devices
Assistive devices such as canes, walkers, and grab bars can provide stability and support, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures. Canes and walkers can help improve balance and stability when walking, which can reduce the risk of falls. These devices can also help older adults maintain their independence and continue to participate in daily activities.
Grab bars can also be installed in bathrooms and other areas where older adults may need support when standing up or sitting down. These devices can help reduce the risk of falls and fractures in these areas.
Fall alarms can alert caregivers or family members if an older adult falls or needs assistance. These devices can help ensure that older adults receive prompt medical attention if needed.
Proper footwear can help provide support and stability when walking, which can reduce the risk of falls. Older adults should wear shoes that fit properly and have non-slip soles to reduce the risk of slipping.
Managing chronic health conditions
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis can affect balance, mobility, and bone health, which can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Diabetes can cause nerve damage in the feet and legs, which can affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Managing blood sugar levels through medication, diet, and exercise can help reduce the risk of nerve damage and improve balance.
Arthritis, on the other hand, can cause joint pain and stiffness, which can affect mobility and increase the risk of falls. Managing arthritis through medication, exercise, and physical therapy can help improve joint flexibility and strength, which can reduce the risk of falls.
Another health condition that can increase the risk of fractures is osteoporosis, a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. Managing osteoporosis through medication, calcium and vitamin D supplements, and exercise can help improve bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Vision and hearing impairments can also affect balance and increase the risk of falls. Regular eye and ear exams and the use of corrective lenses or hearing aids can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Avoiding hazardous activities
Hazardous activities can increase the risk of falls and fractures, especially in older adults who may have balance or mobility issues. Some examples of hazardous activities that older adults should avoid are
High-impact exercises: High-impact exercises such as running or jumping can put stress on the joints and bones, which can increase the risk of fractures. Older adults should focus on low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, or cycling to reduce the risk of injury.
Uneven surfaces such as gravel or unpaved walkways can be hazardous for older adults, especially those who use mobility aids such as canes or walkers. Older adults should avoid these surfaces and stick to even, well-lit paths.
Climbing on ladders or reaching for items on high shelves can increase the risk of falls and fractures. Older adults should use step stools or ask for help when reaching for items that are out of reach.
Older adults who have vision or mobility issues may be at a higher risk of car accidents, which can result in serious injuries such as hip fractures. Older adults should consider limiting or stopping driving if they have difficulty seeing or controlling a vehicle.
How Tunstall can help
Whether we like it or not, our risk in having hip injuries gets higher as we age. That's because our bones become weaker and more brittle, which can increase the risk of fractures from falls or other types of accidents. In addition, older adults may have balance or mobility issues that can increase the risk of falls and fractures.
Despite these risk factors, there are steps that older adults can take to reduce their risk of hip injuries. These include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, using assistive devices, managing chronic health conditions, and avoiding hazardous activities.
Aside from these, Tunstall Healthcare helps the elderly by alerting loved ones and carers if the person experiences a fall, helping them get assistance faster in case of an emergency with our personal alarms like the Tunstall Gem4 and the Tunstall SmartLink Guardian 4G
Do you want to learn more about fall management solutions for you or your loved one? Contact us today.