As the saying goes, "It's easy to climb a mountain, but difficult to descend." The same can be said for elderly people climbing up and down stairs.
Among the patients admitted to the hospital due to stair-related injuries, most accidents occur when going downstairs. Why is it more likely for elderly people to have accidents when going downstairs?
The main reason is that their physical condition is poorer, and the elasticity and tension of their muscles and ligaments are not as good as when they were younger. It becomes difficult for them to control their movements when faced with even a slight problem. Additionally, elderly people have slower reactions and poor central control.
For example, when they intend to place their feet on the steps, they may end up with their feet hanging in the air or completely off the steps. By the time they realize the situation is not right, it may be too late to correct it. Furthermore, elderly people have osteoporosis, making them more prone to fractures when they fall.
To avoid injuries, it is best for elderly people to go downstairs sideways. This is beneficial because they can hold onto the handrail with both hands, increasing safety. Usually, stairs only have a handrail on one side, so when going downstairs facing forward, they can only hold onto it with one hand. By going sideways, both hands can be used for support. Additionally, by going sideways, they can extend one leg first, then make sure their foot is firmly on the step before moving the other foot. This is much safer.
Going downstairs facing forward makes the body almost vertical, making it easier to fall forward. Going sideways creates an angle, providing more reaction time in case of dizziness or misjudgment. Even if an accident occurs, the damage can be avoided or minimized.
Going up and down stairs may seem like a trivial matter, but for elderly people, it is not. This high-frequency activity, which they engage in multiple times a day, can lead to serious injuries if they are not careful. Therefore, in order to live their senior years safely, it is recommended that elderly people pay extra attention to every aspect of their daily lives.
