Introduction
Falls in the elderly are some of the most common issues that cause significant injuries. It has been estimated that around 30% of older adults fall each year (Tiedemann & Lord, 2013). It is necessary to note that researchers and practitioners have examined various aspects of the problem. Prevention is regarded as one of the priorities. One of the most efficient prevention strategies is exercise, and although it has attracted significant attention there are still many views on the matter. The positive outcomes for the elderly are indisputable, but there are many issues to consider.
Theoretical Framework
It is necessary to note that researchers have used various theoretical frameworks to approach the issue. Abraham (2011) notes that adherence to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs enables researchers to come up with efficient interventions and treatment strategies. The focus on all the needs of the elderly ensures the effectiveness of these efforts. Hamm, Money, Atwal, and Paraskevopoulos (2016) note that researchers often consider the issue within one of the following systems: pre-fall, post-fall, fall injury, and cross-fall prevention. These two frameworks are also employed in the studies discussed below.
Exercise and Training
Many researchers focus on the benefits of exercise and examine the ways the corresponding interventions can be used. Thus, Tiedemann and Lord (2013) argue that there is insignificant evidence of the key role of exercise in falls prevention in the elderly. They stress that exercise and interventions aimed at training balance are of paramount importance for older adults. Gusi et al. (2012) also claim that balance training is instrumental in reducing the risk of falling in older people. Moreover, the researchers emphasize that effective balance training strategies also reduce the fear of falling and, hence, improve older patients’ emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
Tai Chi and Dancing
At the same time, some researchers focus on the development of particular interventions rather than assessing an existing one. It is important to note that certain types of physical activity cannot be prescribed to the elderly.
However, some interventions can be suitable for a wide audience. For instance, Schleicher et al. (2012) claim that Tai Chi is one of these methods. The researchers state that a lot of research has been implemented, and it is clear that Tai Chi can be prescribed for almost all people though the healthcare professional should make sure the amount of exercise, as well as the level of complexity, varies by the patients’ needs and abilities. Merom et al. (2013) claim that the use of social dancing is beneficial for the elderly.
This type of intervention contributes to the reduction of falls in older patients, and it also helps these people build social ties that improve their wellbeing. This type of intervention can also be transcribed to any person as people of any physical abilities can participate in some types of dancing.
Possible Interventions
It is possible to note that the interventions associated with Tai Chi and dancing can be used in all nursing homes and should be prescribed to the elderly living in the community. These interventions are very flexible as they can be suitable for all people irrespective of their physical ability, features of characters, and so on. More importantly, these interventions do not simply reduce falls in the elderly, but they positively affect the well-being of older persons, which is one of the most important healthcare outcomes.
Conclusion
On balance, it is possible to note that researchers see exercise as one of the most effective strategies to prevent falls in the elderly. However, a different approach to this strategy exists. Interventions based on the use of dancing and Tai Chi are regarded as the most preferable since they can be utilized with wide audiences. It is also important to incorporate these strategies as they contribute to the development of social links that help older patients improve their emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
Reference List
Abraham, S. (2011). Fall prevention conceptual framework. The Health Care Manager, 30(2), 179-184.
Gusi, N., Adsuar, J.C., Corzo, H., Del Pozo-Cruz, B., Olivares, P.R., & Parraca, J.A. (2012). Balance training reduces fear of falling and improves dynamic balance and isometric strength in institutionalized older people: A randomized trial. Journal of Physiotherapy, 58(1), 97-104.
Hamm, J., Money, A.G., Atwal, A., & Paraskevopoulos, I. (2016). Fall prevention intervention technologies: A conceptual framework and survey of the state of the art. Journal of Biomedical Informatics, 59, 319-345. Web.
Merom, D., Cumming, R., Mathieu, E., Anstey, K.J., Risse, C., Simpson, J.M.,…Lord, S.R. (2013). Can social dancing prevent falls in older adults? A protocol of the Dance, Aging, Cognition, Economics (DAnCE) fall prevention randomised controlled trial. BMC Public Health, 13(1), 477-486.
Schleicher, M.M., Wedam, L., & Wu, G. (2012). Review of Tai Chi as an effective exercise on falls prevention in elderly. Research in Sports Medicine, 20(1), 37-58.
Tiedemann, A., & Lord, S.R. (2013). The role of exercise for fall prevention in older age. Motriz, Rio Claro, 19(3), 541-547.