Abstract
Characteristics of the elderly patients admitted to surgical casualty due to falls: a study from northern Sri Lanka.
Highlights
Sri Lanka has a rapidly aging population with 22% of Sri Lankans expected to be over 60 years by 2030 [1]
About 40% of all serious fall injuries among the elderly including fractures, joint dislocation and head trauma resulted in hospital admissions
More females (61%) had falls than males (39%) and this is statistically significant. This may be due to the fact that females are more prone to fractures due to osteoporosis leading to more hospital admissions
Summary
Sri Lanka has a rapidly aging population with 22% of Sri Lankans expected to be over 60 years by 2030 [1]. The elderly here are further disadvantaged by the fact that most of the offspring have left the province in search of greener pastures to other countries or other parts of Sri Lanka leaving the elderly population more vulnerable. Falls lead to physical injuries and restrict activity. They are among the principal causes of morbidity and lead to hospital admissions in the elderly. About 40% of all serious fall injuries among the elderly including fractures, joint dislocation and head trauma resulted in hospital admissions. Psychological trauma in particular the fear of falling leads to self-limitation in physical activity and loss of independence
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