Falls among older people in Indonesia have increased significantly in recent years, and their consequences are far more serious than is often assumed. A fall can cause severe injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, significantly affecting quality of life and potentially leading to physical, mental and psychosocial decline. According to dr Raymond Posuma, Sp.KFR, MS(K), FIPM (USG), a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist at Seraphim Medical Center, most falls are preventable when the risks are identified early and addressed appropriately.
Why Are Older People More Prone to Falls?
There are clear medical reasons why the risk of falling increases with age. Loss of muscle mass makes it harder for the body to maintain stability. Impaired balance and motor coordination make every transition — from sitting to standing, or from standing to walking — riskier than it might appear. Declining vision makes it more difficult to detect nearby obstacles, while certain medications can cause dizziness or fluctuations in blood pressure.
Dr Raymond explains that these factors rarely occur in isolation. They often overlap, and it is this combination that makes the risk of falls among older people far higher than is commonly realised.
Beyond physical and medical factors, the surrounding environment also plays a significant role. Slippery floors, poor lighting, especially at night, a lack of handrails in frequently used areas, and uneven surfaces can all turn an ordinary moment into a dangerous situation. This combination of age-related physical changes and an unsuitable environment makes fall prevention a challenge that must be addressed from both sides.
Warning Signs That Are Often Overlooked Before a Fall
Many families only realise there is a problem after the first fall has occurred. However, warning signs are often present long beforehand — they simply go unrecognised. Some of the most commonly overlooked signs include:
- Frequently holding onto walls or furniture while walking
- Taking shorter, more cautious steps than usual
- Avoiding certain activities out of fear of losing balance
- Experiencing dizziness or unsteadiness when standing up from a seated position
- Reacting more slowly when losing balance
According to Dr Raymond, these signs should not simply be accepted as a normal part of ageing. Instead, they indicate that something needs to be assessed and addressed before a fall occurs.
This is why fall-risk assessments should not have to wait until an incident happens. With an appropriate assessment by a specialist such as Dr Raymond, potential risks can be identified before a fall occurs. With a structured intervention, these risks can then be significantly reduced. Prevention is always better than cure, and when it comes to falls among older people, prevention also means protecting long-term independence and quality of life.
KINESIQ: Identifying Risks While Training Balance
For a long time, fall prevention for older people has relied on overly generic approaches, with the same exercises prescribed to everyone without properly assessing each individual’s level of risk. KINESIQ offers a different approach. Before any exercise begins, KINESIQ conducts a comprehensive assessment of balance, muscle strength and movement patterns to build an accurate picture of the individual’s physical condition.
Based on these results, a balance-training programme is developed to meet the individual’s specific condition and needs, rather than relying on a generic routine. After all, preventing falls is not simply about moving more; it is about moving correctly.
At Seraphim Medical Center, KINESIQ is used as part of a comprehensive fall-prevention programme, supported by medical professionals with expertise in the care of older patients, including Dr Raymond, the physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist who oversees patient assessments and rehabilitation programmes. Each session begins with an initial assessment, followed by a personalised exercise programme, with progress monitored regularly. The aim is not only to reduce the risk of falls but also to help older patients remain active, independent and confident in their daily lives.
It Is Not Just About Preventing Falls — It Is About Preserving Independence
For many older people, the fear of falling can be more limiting than a fall itself. This fear may lead them to reduce their activities, avoid going out alone or become more dependent on others for simple tasks they once managed without a second thought. Over time, their range of movement becomes more restricted — not necessarily because their bodies are incapable, but because their confidence in their own physical abilities has diminished.
This is what makes a programme such as KINESIQ, overseen by Dr Raymond, important not only from a medical perspective but also in terms of overall quality of life. When people know that their balance and strength have been properly assessed and that a programme has been designed specifically for their needs, their confidence can gradually return. It is not just about walking more steadily; it is about feeling safe enough to remain active, maintain independence and continue with everyday life as they always have.
When Is the Right Time to Start?
One of the most common misconceptions is that fall-risk assessments are only necessary after someone has already fallen or when they appear visibly frail. In reality, the earlier the risks are identified, the more treatment options may be available and the greater the opportunity to prevent a fall rather than simply manage its consequences.
For families with older members, paying attention to the warning signs mentioned above can be an important first step. The aim is not to cause unnecessary concern, but to ensure that any potential risks can be addressed early, calmly and with a clear plan, in consultation with an appropriate specialist.
Small Steps Today for Longer-Lasting Independence
The risk of falls among older people is not something to fear excessively, but neither should it be ignored. With appropriate assessment and a tailored programme, the risks can be managed effectively, giving older people the opportunity to move safely and approach their daily activities with greater confidence.
Want to help maintain balance and physical strength in the later years of life? Consult Dr Raymond Posuma, Sp.KFR, MS(K), FIPM (USG) and explore the KINESIQ programme at Seraphim Medical Center, where exercises are tailored to individual needs.
The post Why Is the Risk of Falls in the Elderly More Serious Than We Think? appeared first on Indonesia Expat.