Falls are responsible for 70% of accidental deaths among people over 75
By 2050, one in three Brazilians will be an older person. Over the past 80 years, life expectancy has jumped from 45 to 75 years. In addition, the fertility rate among Brazilian women has been falling: in 1980, the average was 4 children, and in 2014 that figure was estimated at 1.79. In other words, as well as living longer, we are having fewer children.
Brazil, once known as a country of young people, is now watching its population age rapidly. And that aging brings new challenges and problems, as well as opportunities, for governments and for society.
Aging brings with it a decline in cognitive function, as well as a reduction in physical vigor. People no longer have the same capacity to climb stairs or to orient themselves in unfamiliar spaces. Loss of balance, weakening muscles, deteriorating sight and hearing are all contributing factors.
Falls are responsible for 70% of accidental deaths among people over 75, and are the sixth leading cause of death among the population over 65. Falls can happen on uneven sidewalks, on stairs, or even at home while showering. If they cause fractures, they can leave severe consequences in these people’s lives and, as a result, in their families’ lives too.
There is therefore a need to prepare public spaces and commercial establishments so that older people can leave home in comfort and safety, as well as to adapt the homes in which they live.
Accessibility for older people
Here are some items to pay attention to in order to improve accessibility for older people.
- Good lighting
- Care with slippery rugs
- Grab bars installed to assist with everyday activities
- Non-slip mats in the wet areas of the bathroom
- Keeping all frequently used objects at a height the person can reach, so they do not need to bend down or climb on a stool
- Handrails on stairs
Make accessibility a decision, not a detail
The population this article anticipated in 2018 is already using your space today.
The Guiaderodas Certification goes beyond a technical checklist. Its methodology combines a detailed assessment of the physical space, the lived experience of people with disabilities, staff training for an accessible attitude and a leadership commitment to continuous improvement.
Learn about the Guiaderodas Certification →
