Patient Action: Talk with my care team about my mental health.
CC Context: There is a well-established connection between mental health and physical health, particularly in older adults. Depression and feelings of sadness can contribute to a higher risk of falls for several reasons:
- Physical Activity: Depression can lead to decreased physical activity. People who are feeling depressed may be less likely to exercise or move around, which can weaken muscles and impair balance, increasing the risk of falls.
- Cognitive Functioning: Depression can also affect concentration and focus. Impaired cognitive functioning may make it harder to navigate the environment safely, increasing the risk of tripping or falling.
- Medication Side Effects: Many people with depression take medications like antidepressants that can have side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure, all of which can increase fall risk.
- Motivation and Awareness: Depression can lead to a lack of awareness about fall prevention or a lack of motivation to take safety precautions, like using mobility aids or seeking assistance with walking.
Cognitive issues, such as memory problems or confusion, can affect a person’s ability to recognize dangers or follow safety measures. Cognitive decline can also make it more difficult to react quickly in dangerous situations. Feeling sad or depressed can make our reactions slower. It can also make us more sedentary which then makes us more weak.