Weakness and Falls

Getting weaker as we get older is not part and parcel of ageing. Individuals like Fauja Singh, Ed Whitlock, and Ida Keeling show us how ageing does not have to stop us from being robust individuals long into our 80s, 90s, and 100s. “If you don’t use it, you lose it”. Losing muscle and getting weaker can be symbolized by falling over more. This is called frailty, which essentially is a syndrome where the body’s reserves and ability to respond to adversity are lower. Falls can be one of the greatest risks to an older person’s independence & health. For example, a small trip can result in a fall and a fractured hip. Fractured hips can severely compromise an older person’s ability to remain at home and live independently. The journey of having a fractured hip is not just the operation, but the rehabilitation to return to function which often can be limited by pain. Outcomes are worse for older persons who are already frail and struggle to exercise in rehabilitation to return themselves to health. These older persons may find they can return home but need significant support to do so (needing help showering, dressing and to manage the home), whereas others would be unable to look after themselves at home even with help, meaning they would need to be cared for in a residential aged care facility (nursing home). Frailty can be worsened by not moving regularly and increasingly wanting to sit in a chair or lie in bed. Importantly, there are ways to preventing yourself from becoming frail or to even reverse frailty if you have the syndrome.