Falls are a serious risk for older people (65+) with millions falling each year – one if five of these falls cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury. According to the CDC, at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized annually for hip fractures annually and falling causes 95% of these injuries.
For an older adult who lives alone, a fall can be particularly dangerous. Geriatricians see the new Apple Watch’s fall detection technology as a potentially valuable tool in protecting this vulnerable population.
“Falls are one of the biggest health risks facing our older adults who want to continue to live in their home independently and age in place,” said Lee Lindquist, MD, MPH, MBA, chief of geriatrics for Northwestern Medicine. “There’s a misnomer that older adults aren’t using technology, but in fact many are tech savvy and already using devices, such as the Apple Watch. Often, a fear of falling prevents seniors from everyday activities which actually puts them at a higher risk for falls when they become weaker from less activity. By combining this technology with a smart device, seniors and caregivers can find comfort in knowing that if a fall happens, help can be on the way quickly.”
In addition to commenting on the new Apple Watch fall detection capabilities, Dr. Lindquist can also discuss the following:
- Offering tips for preventing falls such as exercising, making the home safer and discussing medications with your doctor, as some can cause dizziness or sleepiness upping the risk of falls
- The potential health risks for older adults associated with falls
- Strategies for assisting older adults in safely aging in place
- The importance of planning for health issues later in life in advance so that older adults can have a voice in their care.
Dr. Lindquist is a geriatrician and head of geriatrics at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She is a published author, educator, and national expert in the care of older adults. She has been featured in over 200 media venues including: New York Times, Chicago Tribune, NPR, Wall Street Journal, CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC. With funding from PCORI, Dr. Lindquist developed PlanYourLifespan.org, a website that helps older adults plan for health events such as hospitalizations, falls, and memory loss that may happen as people get older. This planning differs from end of life care and wills.
Dr. Lindquist grew up helping her grandparents. "We faced difficult decisions on what to do as their health worsened. Experiencing it first hand and repeatedly with my patients, I believed that there had to be a better way,” said Dr. Lindquist on the experience that led to the development of Plan Your Life Span.
Additional Information:
- Fall Prevention Awareness Day is September 22
- Northwestern Memorial Hospital is recognized among the top 10 hospitals for Geriatrics in the United States by US News & World Report in its annual Best Hospitals rankings
- Videos of Dr. Lindquist:
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