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Statistics show that seniors have a three-fold greater chance for dying from a ground level fall. That statistic shows that a senior citizen does suffer pronounced effects from such a fall. What is the nature of such effects?
Some effects tied to the fall-victim’s medical history
Some of those victims have a pre-existing medical condition. The presence of that condition can heighten the serious nature of what might seem like all the other simple ground falls. For example, someone with a history of heart disease might suffer a heart attack, when frightened by the falling motion.
Some effects tied to the victim’s age
Once an average adult lives more than 70 years, he or she tends to respond poorly to all ground falls. True, there are some seniors that remain in markedly good health. For them the fall’s effects could be less severe. Yet far too many seniors fail to qualify for inclusion in that group of healthy senior citizens.
Too often, as someone gets older, he or she does not undertake much physical activity. Furthermore, some aging individuals do not appreciate the need for activities that exercise the heart and the respiratory system. For example, an elderly woman that loves to cook might believe that the long hours of standing represent a sufficient level of activity.
While age robs many people of the desire to exercise on a regular basis, it also has an effect on their muscles. The muscles start to deteriorate, if they are not used frequently. As a result, it becomes harder for an injured senior citizen to recover from a fall-related injury. Additionally, the financial strain is paramount and that is why consulting with a personal injury lawyer in Sudbury is important.
The location of the injury also has an effect
A man or woman that has sprained an ankle will recover slowly from such an injury. He or she might have trouble walking for months, once the ankle has healed. Typically, that trouble takes the form of dependence on some assist, something that will help the walker to stay upright. Brain injuries cause more profound effects. Indeed, damage to the brain invites development of a long-lasting effect. Indeed, sometimes such damage can prove fatal, shortening the life of the brain damaged patient.
How society should deal with the injured seniors
Today, the typical rehabilitation center operates according to the regulations and schedules used in a hospital. Such an approach makes it all the harder for any patient to work towards resuming a full and useful life. As a result, some patients fail to respond to any therapist’s instructions. When that happens, the recovering patient receives neither an adequate evaluation nor an aggressive treatment.