Having seen so many elderly precariously balanced with multiple medications and maladies over the years, who fall and usually fracture a hip - and then the cascade of upending those other balanced medical issues begins. Its like Senior Jenga.
My 68-year-old twin, who being four minutes younger than me behaves as the stereotypical second born and is much less cautious than I, was running to recreate the immaculate reception from his seven-year-old grandson. He landed on his right shoulder and left knee fracturing them both. As of today, both will have been repaired, and he will need inpatient rehab. He’s in excellent cardiovascular shape from regular strenuous exercise, but is significantly overweight. All three of us siblings were gifted with osteoporosis from our maternal side. I hate to think what his injuries would have been like, if he had not been as fit as he actually is! When 30% of people over 65 fall in one year, we should call this an epidemic.
Margaret Mead, a prominent anthropologist, was reported to have said that the mark of a humane society was when she found skeletal remains of someone with a healed femur fracture.
When one of our kids ran in with a "boo-boo", I'd begin with, "Show me the blood!" And then, of course, evaluate them. (retired 76yo ED doc).
Great read and so true.
Having seen so many elderly precariously balanced with multiple medications and maladies over the years, who fall and usually fracture a hip - and then the cascade of upending those other balanced medical issues begins. Its like Senior Jenga.
I have to remember to tell my feet which direction I am turning towards, to I don't stumble over my own feet.
So very true!
My 68-year-old twin, who being four minutes younger than me behaves as the stereotypical second born and is much less cautious than I, was running to recreate the immaculate reception from his seven-year-old grandson. He landed on his right shoulder and left knee fracturing them both. As of today, both will have been repaired, and he will need inpatient rehab. He’s in excellent cardiovascular shape from regular strenuous exercise, but is significantly overweight. All three of us siblings were gifted with osteoporosis from our maternal side. I hate to think what his injuries would have been like, if he had not been as fit as he actually is! When 30% of people over 65 fall in one year, we should call this an epidemic.
Margaret Mead, a prominent anthropologist, was reported to have said that the mark of a humane society was when she found skeletal remains of someone with a healed femur fracture.
Powerful message!