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THE AGED AND THEIR SAFETY PROBLEMS

Of our one billion people, 75 million are over the age of 60. By the year 2025 this number is likely to touch 177 million mark. At the beginning of the 20th century the number of people over 60 was just 12 million. This tremendous spurt in the number of our seniors is sure to pose a serious social problem.

As average life expectancy increases and social values change, a vast majority of our senior population is left without any financial or medical support. This added to the fact that older people develop impaired vision, have slower reaction time and are more prone to accidents and mishaps. A mishap that may merely inconvenience a young person can put an aged person out of commission for a long time.

Here are some hints that could help our senior citizens to reduce the risk of personal injury.

According to American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, falls are the leading cause of injury for people over 65. The likelihood of dying from a fall-related injury increases with age and deteriorating vision.

Vision:

As one ages, physiological changes set in and all body functions start deteriorating. Similar changes are also seen in the eye (smaller pupils, yellowing of the lens, cataract), which result in failing vision. Thus seniors need more light than young adults.

• Soft overall lighting is essential for tasks like reading, sewing and taking medicines.
• Night-lamps in areas like bedrooms and bathrooms are essential to prevent falls.
• Head and foot of stairways require more light.
• Light switches should be placed at convenient points like at the room entrance.
• Easy to clean and change fixtures should be used.
• Do not block electrical outlets with furniture.
• Avoid pictures or other eye-catchers near stairs.

• Use non-skid mats over the bathroom floor.
• Install grab-bars around the shower and for the toilet.
• Ensure that there is no sill or threshold between the bathroom and other rooms, to prevent tripping.

• Avoid Glass furniture and in case it is unavoidable use shatter proof glass.
• Arrange furniture so as to provide open passages.
• Keep electrical and telephone cables out of way.
• Furniture should be easily movable.
• Furniture should not block exits and doorways.

 Safety in the Kitchen:

• Keep all combustible items away from the stove, especially when it is lighted.
• Use lightweight pots, pans and bowls.
• Do not use any overhead cabinets that are more than 12 inches deep or more than 72 inches high from the floor level.
• Avoid having storage spaces above stoves and refrigerators.

• Make sure a phone is next to your bed, within arm's reach.
• Keep emergency telephone numbers, hearing aids and spectacles (if necessary) handy as well.
• Never smoke in bed. Make sure that you are alert when you smoke.
• Do not smoke while under the influence of alcohol or if you are taking prescription drugs that can cause drowsiness.
• Never leave smoking materials unattended, and collect them in large, deep ashtrays.
• Check around furniture, especially upholstered furniture, for any discarded or smoldering smoking materials.
• Soak the ashes in the ashtray before discarding them.