Pneumonia, phlebitis and pulmonary emboli can all lead to death in the elderly. If the senses that prevent all those close calls start to fail, we develop fear, fear of falling, fear of injury. For the elderly, falling is one of their greatest fears. The fear of falling decreases their ability to perform the functional activities of daily living whether or not they have actually fallen. For the patient who is at risk, simple shopping, reaching into a cabinet or taking a shower can create a great deal of fear and anxiety.
Older people find outdoor activities most difficult.
Think for a moment about all the activities we take for granted that can lead to injury if our senses are not sharp. But if we can't perform these activities, social isolation and depression can follow. Anne can no longer go with her healthy friends to restaurants, the theater or the community center. There is help and there are things we can do. We need to identify older people who are prone to falls at an early stage, before falls occur.