2 minute read
Keep on keep up
As anyone with an ageing parent or relative will know, falls can be extremely serious. They can lead to hip fractures, a premature care home admission, or even fearfulness leading to social isolation.
The statistics are frightening. One in three people aged over 65 have a fall each year, and over a third of those who fracture their hip due to a fall will die within the year. In fact, falls are known to be the most common cause of death through injury in the over 65s, costing the NHS over £2.3 billion a year and rising.
Against the backdrop of a rapidly ageing society – and increasing health and social care funding issues – it is no surprise, therefore, that falls among the elderly are gaining more attention than ever.
Well, there is some good news to share at least. Over 30 years of research have shown that falls (over half in some trials) can largely be prevented. Plus, the methods to prevent falls are fairly simple too – home hazard checks, medication reviews, monitoring blood pressure, and eyesight and hearing checks can all lead to reducing the risk.
However the best thing that older people can do is undertake progressive strength and balance exercise regularly.
This was precisely the thinking behind the Keep On Keep Up (KOKU) app which is based on proven exercises that can reduce falls by a third; with feedback, rewards and tracking to encourage engagement and adherence.
The app is NHS-approved and aims to assist older adults to independently engage with personalised, evidence based exercises. The app also includes educational games on how to maintain bone health, home safety and staying hydrated. Trials in Manchester, Nottingham and Texas have found that KOKU has high usability with trends in improved outcomes (e.g. balance, health status and confidence) after six weeks of independent use.
The trials have also demonstrated that KOKU is a safe, acceptable and easy-to-use falls prevention intervention that facilitates older adults’ ability to access strength and balance activities at a time, and in a location, that suits them.
One participant in the trial said, “I wasn’t doing anything before. I’m building strength as never before. It’s all because of the program. It worked my body, mind and spirit. When I started, my motivation was not completely there. I’m 63 years old but you’re never too old.”
