Impact of physical exercise on the prevention of falls in older adults residing in long-term homes

Abstract

Introduction: According to ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean), the pandemic has affected healthy life expectancy in several countries in the region. In Argentina, life expectancy has increased significantly in recent decades, reaching 75.4 years in 2019. However, with the aging of the population, the prevalence of age-related conditions, such as falls, has also increased. The World Health Organization reports that falls are one of the main causes of serious injury among older adults, with 20% to 30% of those who fall suffering fractures or trauma.
Aging carries physical, sensory and cognitive risks that increase the likelihood of falls, and falls in older adults often result in hospitalization, loss of autonomy and high costs for healthcare systems. In this context, it is necessary to implement preventive strategies that improve the quality of life in old age. Regular physical activity has been identified as one of the most effective interventions to reduce the risk of falls, as it improves balance, muscle strength and coordination.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the benefits of physical exercise for the prevention of falls in older adults who reside in long-stay homes in Buenos Aires. By identifying the physical activities that generate the greatest benefits, the aim is to contribute to the development of preventive programs that promote the safety and well-being of this population, thus reducing the incidence of falls and associated complications.
Materials and methods: The study will use various tools to collect qualitative and quantitative data. An exhaustive review of scientific articles related to the impact of physical exercise on fall prevention will be carried out to support the theoretical framework. Likewise, semi-structured interviews will be carried out with 20 elderly people living in long-stay homes, as well as with their caregivers and home staff, to identify barriers and facilitators to physical exercise. Surveys will be administered to 20 older adults to obtain information on the incidence of falls, level of physical activity and perception of the benefits of exercise. In addition, data will be collected from the environment (family members, caregivers, and residential home staff) on the opportunities and limitations for physical activity in these centers.
Results: Surveys were conducted in two residential homes, one in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires and the other in Greater Buenos Aires, resulting in a total of 20 surveys. It emerged from these that in 2024 there were 9 people who suffered falls for different reasons including tripping over their own feet and over objects they failed to notice and syncopal episodes. Of those 9 people who suffered falls, two also had broken bones. Of the residents who suffered falls and of those who suffered fractures, more than half did not do physical exercise.
Conclusion: Statistically, it was observed in the present work that low-impact physical exercise adapted to the needs of each older adult reduces the incidence of falls and, in the event that it does happen, a higher incidence of fractures was observed in people who do not do physical exercise.