EACH year millions of people throughout the world - especially those 65 and older - have a fall. Some can be serious, leading to broke bones - which can be harder to heal in the elderly - head injuries, hospitalisation or even death.
Now researchers have developed sensors which measure in-home gait speed and stride length and can predict the likeliness of a fall within a three-week period.
"We have developed a non-wearable sensor system that can measure walking patterns in the home, including gait speed and length," said Marjorie Skubie of the University of Missouri Centre for Eldercare and Rehabilitation Technology.
The sensors are placed around the home.
The research found that a gait speed decline of five centimetres per second was associated with an 86.3 per cent probability of falling within the following three weeks, and a shortened stride length was associated with a 50.6 per cent probability of falling.
The system sends an automated email alert to carers.
Researchers used data collected from the sensor systems at a retirement village.
"Ageing should not mean that an adult suddenly loses his or her independence," said Marilyn Rantz, Curators Professor Emeritus of Nursing.
"However, for many older adults the risk of falling impacts how long seniors can remain independent.
"Being able to predict that a person is at risk of falling will allow caregivers to intervene with the necessary care to help seniors remain independent as long as possible."
