STRESSFUL EVENTS INCREASE THE RISK FALLS IN THE EDERLY
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A study of nearly 5,000 older men has shown that stressful life events , such as death of a loved one, or serious financial problems, significantly increases the risk of falls in the year after the accident. The research is published online in the journal "Age and Ageing ."
Dr. Howard A. Fink of the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, and colleagues conducted a study of 5,994 men over the age of 65, in six locations across the United States, involved in osteoporotic fractures.
Participants were asked marital status and , if widowed, the date of death of the spouse, were also asked to report the occurrence of any of the following stressful life events : serious illness or accident of wife / partner , death of another relative narrow or close friend ; separation from child, friend , or other relative by whose aid was dependent , loss of pet , hobby or waiver of important interests ; severe financial difficulties , change of residence or transfer .
Among men who reported falls in the year following stressful life events , 29.9 % of cases had only one type of stressful event ; 35.5% two types of stressful events , and 39.9% three or more types of stressful life events .
Any stressful life event was associated with a 41% increase in the risk of falling , and an increase of nearly twice the risk of multiple falls during the following year . There has been a rather significant increase in the risk of fractures.
Dr. Fink said: " This is the first prospective study to evaluate the ' association between stressful life events and the risk of falls in the elderly. However, the mechanism linking stressful life events to the falls is still uncertain."
The authors discussed the possible reasons for this association. A potential explanation , based on previous studies, is that stressful events trigger a neuro- hormonal response , causing the release of stress hormones, which promote other falls and other adverse events to health. Some evidence suggests that inflammation, a potential indicator of physical stress , could lead to a loss of muscle mass and impaired physical function . Or the sudden emotions , triggered by a stressful event , could have an impact on visual or balance , leading to falls and other accidents.
Dr. Fink concluded: " Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to investigate the mechanism underlying this association. "
Source Worldhealth
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