Early Detection Device Prevents Falls

摘要

Healthcare worldwide faces major challenges as the cost associated with an ageing population and widespread chronic disease escalates. Singapore has a fast-growing greying population. According to Asian medical consulting firm Pacific Bridge Medical, the percentage of Singaporeans over age 65 will double from 10 to 20% over the next 15 years, and the country's worker-to-elderly ratio will shrink from 11:1 today to 4:1 by 2025. Falls and fall-related injuries constitute the most common causes of trauma and hospital admissions among the elderly. Various research reports show that around 30% of people aged 65 years or older living in the community and more than 50% of those living in residential-care facilities or nursing homes fall every year. Moreover, about half of those who fall do so repeatedly. Approximately 40-50% admitted to hospitals will transfer to nursing homes upon discharge. Common injuries include bruises, soft-tissue injury, and fractures. Falls can lead to loss of independence and even death in severe cases. Fainting directly relates to otherwise unexplained and recurrent falls. Older people faint more often in response to age-related physiological changes. With 40-60% of older people over 65 alone when they faint, the risk of injury runs high. Thus, the ability to detect and prevent a fall from fainting would lower healthcare costs, as well as greatly improve the comfort and life quality of the people who experience them.