Don't Let a Slip Ruin the Festival: Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults

Holi isa lively festival filled with movement, visitors, laughter and activity inside the house.

- DR. AKHILESH RATHI

But for senior citizens, this festive excitement can quietly increase the risk of one serious problem — falls. Dr. Akhilesh Rathi, Director, Joint replacement, Robotics and Orthopedic from Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute Paschim Vihar and Founder Rathi Orthopedic and Spine Clinic in Dwarka, New Delhi said “In my orthopedic practice, I often see a rise in fractures around festival periods, especially wrist fractures and hip fractures in people above 60 years. Unfortunately, in older adults a simple fall is never “simple”; it can affect independence, mobility and overall health for months.

During Holi, floors often become wet and slippery due to water, colours and frequent cleaning. Furniture gets rearranged, children runaround, and elders try to participate or move quickly to avoid the chaos. All these small changes increase the chances of imbalance.

I always tell families: fractures in elderly people usually happen inside the home, not outside. Prevention is therefore more important than treatment.