Seniors' falls can be prevented, but it takes some work

Frail people have a higher risk of falls, fracturesand disability and a higher risk of going to the ER, according to Calgary Eyeopener medical contributorDr. Raj Bhardwaj.

He says frailty is more common in people with at least one chronic condition, such as heart failure, diabetes and chronic lung problems.

"The morechronic conditions you have, the greater your risk of frailty," said Bhardwaj.

There are 27 different frailty assessment tools to help doctors, nurses and clinicians determine frailty. Here's one of the tools, which looks for five distinct characteristics:

• A person who walks slower than what is expected for their age.
• A person who has a low level of physical activity.
• A person who has low energy.
• A person who is losing weight unintentionally.
• A person withlow grip strength, which is used asa measure of muscle weakness.

Ifyoudisplayone or two of these characteristics,then you could be atrisk for becoming frail.If you have three to five, thenyou're alreadyfrail.

Exercise key to fighting frailty

Bhardwaj says when it comes to fighting frailty, someof theresearch points to exercise.Start building your resilience early on in life and keep at it for as long as you can.

He says there is not enoughdata yet on which exercises are the best or how long you have to do them, but the trend is that some is better than none and more is better than some.

"I met a man who was diagnosed with a chronic disease in his mid-40s and started doing weight training to maintain his health. Now he's in his mid-80s and can still bench-press over 200 pounds," said Bhardwaj.

He adds that it'simportant to maintain your health from the start and to remember thatfrailty isn't just about physical strength. Maketime to socialize andkeepyour mind active and engaged.