Simon Fraser University researchers are hoping their latest study on seniors will help to address one of their biggest physical challenges — injury from falls.
Simon Fraser University researchers are hoping their latest study on seniors will help to address one of their biggest physical challenges — injury from falls.
Falls cause more than 95 per cent of hip fractures in older adults and recovery results can be grim. About 30,000 people experience a hip fracture each year in Canada. While most will face surgery, months of recovery time and reduced independence and physical activity, others may succumb to their injuries.
“About 25 per cent of older adults in long-term care who experience hip fracture die within six months, so it’s really important that we direct efforts to prevent falls and also to prevent hip fracture in the event of a fall, especially in the high-risk, long-term care setting,” says study lead, Steve Robinovitch, an SFU professor in the Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology.
While COVID-19 has highlighted the need to improve standards in long-term care facilities, the researchers say addressing issues related to safe mobility is also key to improving seniors’ quality of life.
Read more at Simon Fraser University
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