Obesity Increases Dangers for Elderly
According to a study by Syracuse University in New York, obese elderly are far more likely than their thinner peers to suffer a potentially disabling fall. Although those elderly who are more on the severe obese scale may be somewhat protected from injury because of the extra padding and denser bones.
Falls are often seen as a dangerous threat to thin elderly individuals because their frail bones are more prone to fractures. Although obese people have one advantage over the thin, obesity comes with it’s own dangerous health risks. They struggle with balance and they are less able to react quickly in order to prevent a fall. Obese elderly were 12 to 50 percent more likely to suffer a fall than their normal-weight peers. The study was based on 10,755 Americans age 65 and up who were surveyed every two years. Researches also factored in various health conditions that linked to both obesity and the risk of falling, like arthritis, pain in the legs, diabetes and stroke. The amount of falling for the obese elderly can be prevented in numerous ways besides actually losing weight. Experts recommend moderate exercise like walking and tai chi to improve balance and coordination. They also recommend for elderly folk to try to get rid of fall hazards in their home like loose rugs or items that can cause someone to fall over.
It is important to reduce the fall hazards in any home especially if you are caring for an elderly individual. Falls can not only cause fractures but many other serious injuries and can result in your loved one being subject to best rest for an extended period of time.
