Maintaining functional capacity Sample Clauses

Maintaining functional capacity over the life course (WHO, 2007a) Functional capacity is really important for avoiding falls. It is therefore important to try to improve it through exercise but at the same time it is important that the physical activity is appropriate to the person who is going to do. Moderate physical activity could reduce the risks of falls and fall-related injuries through controlling weight and contributing to healthy bones, muscle and joint. Moreover it could improve balance, mobility and reaction time. Promoting physical activity is one of the most feasible and cost-effective strategies to prevent falls as it improve strength, balance and flexibility. Furthermore acting on diet can decrease the risk of falls by avoiding diet deficiencies that could lead to weakness, poor fall recovery and increase risk of injuries. As a matter of fact an adequate intake of protein, calcium and essential vitamins is essential for good health, improving bone density and reducing risk of falling (WHO, 2007a). Behavioural risks factors, such as the intake of multiple medications, excess alcohol use, and sedentary behaviour, can be modified through strategic interventions in order to reduce the risk of fall. Furthermore environmental and socioeconomic risk factors, such as home hazards and hazardous features in public environment for the former and lack of social interaction and community resources for the latter, can contribute to the fall risk. It is therefore important to control the environment where elderly live and to make it as safe as possible. It is also necessary that people don’t take risks, like standing on unsteady chairs or bending while performing activities of daily living, in order to avoid falls. Moreover risk of falls is inversely related to social interaction. Depression and isolation triggered by the lack of socialisation increase the fear of falling that in turn increase the risk of falling. It is then important for old people to be part of the community, be involved in social activities and feel part of the community (WHO, 2007a). Trying to prevent such risks could avoid falls among older persons and also all their consequences. From an economical point of view, falls are critical to family, community, and society. Healthcare impacts and costs of falls in older age are significantly increasing all over the world. Fall-incurred costs are categorized into two aspects: direct costs and indirect costs. The former includes health care costs such as medications and adeq...