A few weeks ago, my grandmother fell in the bathroom. We all said "thank goodness it wasn't anything serious." But no one talked about what came next: the fear of moving alone, the dependency, the worry.
What we live as a family has a name. And it is much more common than we think.
Falls are the leading cause of serious injuries in older adults
In Chile and in the world, falls are the first cause of serious injuries in people over 65 years of age. Not traffic accidents. Not chronic diseases. The falls.
And the problem is not just the blow.
The blow is the least of it
A hip fracture in an older adult has a mortality of up to 33% in the first year. Not because of the fracture itself, but because of what comes after: immobility, complications, loss of autonomy.
But there is something equally serious that few mention: fear. After a fall, many older adults begin to move less, go out less, and depend more. And that spiral has physical and emotional consequences that last for years.
Why are they so vulnerable?
As we age, the body changes in ways that increase risk:
- Reflexes slow down the reaction time to "grasp" something is slower.
- Bones lose density What in a young person would be a blow, in an older adult may be a fracture.
- balance deteriorates especially if there are medications that affect blood pressure or the nervous system.
- The vision changes Light changes, steps, and uneven surfaces become more difficult.
The most dangerous moment: when no one is watching
Most falls occur at home. In the bathroom, in the kitchen, at night when they go to the bathroom alone. At the moment when no one is present.
And there's the real problem: it's not just falling. It is falling and not being able to ask for help.
What can you do today
First, talk to them, without making them feel like they can no longer do it alone. Conversation matters.
Second, check the environment: loose carpets, dark hallways, bathrooms without handrails. Small changes that reduce risk significantly.
Third, make sure they can ask for help at any time, wherever they are. Not only at home.
That's why we created ALARA Senior
ALARA Senior is a discreet device — waterproof, designed for everyday use — that with two touches sends an emergency alert with real-time location to trusted contacts.
Does not detect falls automatically. It is activated by the person when they need it. Because autonomy also matters.
Does your mom or dad live alone? Write to us, we will gladly help you find the best option for your family 💜
Find it at https://alara.cl/products/alara-senior
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