Falling is a common risk for everyone, from the time we start walking until we are old. But the consequences of these falls are very different depending on how old we are. When we are young, falls are usually less dangerous because our bones and muscles are stronger and more elastic. In adults over the age of 65, however, the danger and risk increase.

Falls are not avoidable but they can be prevented.

To do this it is important to be aware of the reasons that can cause falls.

External factors that can cause a fall:

• Carpets or bath mats.
• Lack of lighting
• Stairs and steps
• Furniture in a walkway area
• Slippery floors or footwear

Health conditions that can cause a fall:

• Poor physical fitness
• Vision and hearing problems
• Low blood pressure
• Use of medication causing drowsiness

Although these reasons can affect us at any age, it is true that they are much more common in older people.

Falls are the main cause of geriatric injuries. Not only does it affect them physically, but it also affects their quality of life.
Most falls in the elderly will result in some kind of physical injury, from minor contusions to wrist or hip fractures or even death. And as we know, recovery from any physical injury in the elderly is a very slow process and requires personalised attention. Therefore, in addition to the physical injury, it affects them psychologically, due to the fear suffered, the greater dependence they need, and even episodes of anxiety and depression.

In order to try to avoid this type of situation, measures can be taken to prevent falls, since, as we have already mentioned, they are not avoidable.

The measures we can and should take to prevent falls are:

• Maintaining good mobility and physical fitness
• Review of medication
• Use of a cane or walker
• Having good lighting
• Do not have furniture that may hinder walking
• Adjusting the height of the bed
• Use of bathing aids

And finally, we would like to talk about hip protectors. Since hip fracture is one of the most common injuries in falls, and it is also an injury that is so complicated to recover from in the elderly, we believe that its prevention is of the utmost importance.

Hip protectors are designed with pads on both hips that cushion the fall and protect the area from possible fracture.

Depending on the user and the risk of falling, there are different models of hip protectors.

Hip protectors:

If the risk of falling is high and you want to be protected at all times, hip protectors that are also underwear are recommended.

702060 – 702065 Women’s hip protectors
702080 – 702085 Men’s hip protectors
702072 – 702078 Unisex hip protector

In the case of nappy wearers, who prefer to wear their underwear or even for bathing, there are other types of underpads that are worn over the underwear but underneath the clothes. So they are very discreet and comfortable.

702090-702098 Overlapping hip protector
702100-702110 Clip-on hip protector

Finally, there is an outer model, for use over clothing. Thanks to the velcro, it can be perfectly adjusted to the hips.

702050-702056 Optimus hip protector

If you have any questions about the models described above, please leave us a comment and we will be happy to answer them.