Osteoarthritis & Osteoporosis: The Hidden Risk of "Silent Falls" in Seniors
The OAFI Foundation (Osteoarthritis Foundation International) and IndeeLift join forces in the OAFI Radio&TV programs to continue informing and supporting patients with osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, aiming to reduce the risk of accidental falls through awareness in these programs.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects more than 500 million people worldwide, causing pain, inflammation, and limiting mobility. Likewise, osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by a decrease in the density and quality of bone tissue, which makes bones more fragile, thinner, and more susceptible to fractures.
Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis, Sources of Falls
Osteoporosis, therefore, weakens the bones, increasing the risk of fractures from minor falls in areas such as the wrists, hips, and vertebrae. Osteoarthritis, on the other hand, reduces the stability and mobility of the joints, as they become more unstable and have more difficulty supporting body weight, thus increasing the danger of tripping or losing balance. Both conditions contribute to the risk of falls in people affected by them.
Similarly, falls in older adults and people with mobility issues represent a significant public health concern, with potentially serious consequences for health and quality of life. Around 30% of people over 65 years of age with osteoarthritis experience at least one fall per year.
Prevention and an informed patient, key to a better quality of life
It is important for people affected by osteoporosis and osteoarthritis to be aware of this reality and take steps to prevent falls, such as doing appropriate exercise to strengthen muscles and improve balance, wearing suitable footwear, and maintaining a safe, obstacle-free home environment. In addition, it is essential to consult their doctors to receive guidance and appropriate treatments to manage their health conditions and reduce the risk of falls.
When prevention has not arrived in time and a fall has occurred, IndeeLift is a simple and safe solution for both patients and caregivers. The IndeeLift system is equipped with advanced lifting technology that allows people who have fallen to quickly, safely, and dignifiedly regain a seated or standing position. The IndeeLift lift acts as an aid to raise the user from the floor to a standing position, without requiring the intervention of third parties.
When prevention has not arrived in time and a fall has occurred, IndeeLift is the quick, simple, and safe solution for both patients and caregivers
The collaboration between OAFI and IndeeLift
In light of this situation, an alliance has been launched between OAFI and IndeeLift, which aims to address these challenges through direct communication with patients on the OAFI Radio & TV programs, promoting independence and mobility for people with osteoarthritis, while also offering an effective solution to reduce the impact of accidental falls among the most vulnerable population.
Dr. Josep Vergés, president of the OAFI Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for this collaboration, stating: “This alliance represents a significant milestone in the fight against osteoarthritis and in the care of those who suffer from it. Our goal is to improve patients’ quality of life and, at the same time, provide them with a valuable tool to prevent serious accidents.”
Esther Costabella, Business Development Manager at IndeeLift, adds, “IndeeLift’s mission is to give autonomy to the most vulnerable people when they suffer an accidental fall at home, and thus improve their quality of life in their day-to-day lives. With this alliance, we hope to add value to the entire OAFI ecosystem.”
The collaboration between OAFI and IndeeLift represents a step forward in the care of the health and well-being of patients with osteoarthritis and demonstrates how technology can be a valuable ally in improving the quality of life of people with chronic diseases and limited mobility conditions.
Both organizations will work together to promote awareness of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and falls and their consequences through podcasts and radio programs, offering practical solutions to improve patients’ lives, as well as to expand patient access to IndeeLift’s innovative lifts. This collaboration will make a difference in the lives of many patients with osteoarthritis and will help create a safer and healthier future for those facing mobility challenges.