In the third age, the risk of falls and associated injuries increases significantly. Among adults, falls are a leading cause of injury, which can often be as serious as fractures. Beyond the immediate physical impact, falls may also lead to a loss of independence over time and a decrease in quality of life. There is usually no single factor that affects our risk of falling, but a combination of several variables. In order to promote healthy aging, it is very important to understand the factors that increase the risk of falls and adjust the lifestyle and habits. The Ministry of Health divides the risk factors into two groups: internal factors and external factors. The external risk factors are mostly related to our living and living environment, while the internal factors result from natural changes or diseases associated with aging.
Most falls happen at home, and an unsafe home environment may significantly increase the risk of falling. The most common hazards include poor lighting, loose carpets, uncluttered aisles and slippery floors. To minimize the risks of falling, it is important to address these dangers by improving lighting in the home, securing carpets with non-slip surfaces or removing them altogether, keeping passageways clear of clutter and using non-slip carpets in bathrooms and kitchens. In addition, installing grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on staircases can also provide additional support and stability.
Internal risk factors such as muscle weakness, balance problems, previous falls and fear of falling are interrelated factors that significantly increase the risk of falls among adults. Muscle weakness, especially in the lower body and core muscles, can impair stability and make it difficult to recover from a loss of balance. Balance problems in themselves can arise from various factors such as inner ear problems or various neurological diseases, worsening the risk. In addition, many adults fear falls because of the danger inherent in them, even if they have not fallen before. Fear of falling can lead to damage to self-confidence and a decrease in physical activity, and even avoidance of daily activities such as walking, shopping, and various social activities. Avoiding and reducing physical activity may further weaken the muscles and contribute to a cycle of increased risk of falling. Treating these factors through strength and balance exercises, regular vision and hearing tests can improve the physical condition and increase the sense of security, thus helping to reduce the risk of falls in adults.
However, beyond the environmental and physiological factors, several studies from recent years have found that there is a connection between cognitive deterioration in old age and the risk of falling. The risk of falling in adults with cognitive impairment is almost double compared to adults without cognitive impairment. Specifically, it seems that cognitive aspects such as attention, processing speed and reaction times are the most significant in the connection between cognition and falls – which makes sense, since these functions are fundamental to our ability to recognize and react in a way that is adapted to our environment. People who experience cognitive decline that affects attention and other executive functions may have difficulty identifying hazards in their environment, effectively using mobility aids, and responding quickly to prevent falls.
In order to support healthy aging and preserve independence, in addition to physical training and adaptation of the environment to our needs, it is important to be attentive to our cognitive health as well. Certain cognitive changes in the third age are natural and normal, but just as physical exercise is recommended to maintain physical health, it is worthwhile to continue training the brain in order to maintain its abilities. Even in old age, the brain continues to create new connections, and dedicated cognitive training can help preserve and improve various cognitive abilities, such as attention and processing speed. Improving cognitive function can lead to better attention and spatial awareness, which are essential for reducing the risk of falling. In addition, cognitive training can improve self-confidence and self-efficacy, lead to a more active lifestyle and reduce the fear of falling. Incorporating cognitive training into daily routines can have significant benefits for cognitive health, which may contribute to a lower risk of falls in older adults.
When you choose the cognitive training that is right for you, it is important to take several key factors into account. Look for platforms that are backed by scientific research, that offer a variety of exercises aimed at different cognitive functions, and adapt the exercises to your performance. Accessibility, user-friendliness and progress tracking are also essential, as they help to stay engaged and track cognitive improvement over time. Effectivate’s unique training program was developed in collaboration with brain researchers and neuropsychologists. Each workout consists of exercises that work on a variety of cognitive abilities, and constantly adapts itself to the users’ performance to maintain a continuous challenge. A study that examined the effects and benefits of using the system found that training in the software resulted in an improvement in cognitive abilities that the software does not train.
Maintaining cognitive and mental health is essential to reducing the risk of falling and promoting healthy aging. While physical health and a safe environment play a crucial role in maintaining balance and mobility, cognitive abilities such as attention, memory and decision making are just as important. By incorporating cognitive training into the daily routine, adults can improve their cognitive function, reduce the risk of falls and maintain their independence and quality of life. A holistic approach to health, including both physical and cognitive aspects, is key to healthy aging and overall well-being.
