Letters to the editor: Senior falls statistics are sobering

The Bay of Plenty has a higher rate of seniors falling and being injured. Photo / Getty Images

I would like to comment on the excellent article by Cira Olivier published on March 4.

For more than a decade I was involved with research concerning falls and hip fractures among older people in the School of Public Health, University of Auckland.

As a higher proportion of older people live in the Bay of Plenty (including myself), a higher fall rate and injury rate can be expected than other areas in New Zealand.

Our research showed that risk factors for falls differed according to age and residential status. Younger older people who lived in their own homes were more likely to fall due to a tripping or slipping hazard.

It was encouraging to read that the Tauranga City Council is addressing the risks of environmental hazards in the community to help reduce falls and consequent injuries.

Among frailer, older people living in residential care our research showed that intrinsic or medical risk factors were the dominant cause of falls and injuries.

We identified that 96 per cent of hip fractures resulted from the impact of a fall, and it is sobering to note that for those aged 85 years and older, 30 per cent will die within a month of their hip fracture.

A four-fold risk of hip fracture was identified among those living in residential care compared with those living in their own homes.

Intervention strategies need to target the needs of the differing age groups and residential status of older people.

Dr Meg Butler

Mount Maunganui

Shoutout to Creative BOP

I've been working with Creative Bay of Plenty for a few months as a photographer after returning from Cardiff due to Covid-19.

From the moment I met Eric and the team, I knew they were in it because they were truly passionate about what they do.

They help to support local artists, especially those who are up-and-coming, giving them a platform to showcase their amazing work in the Bay.

They're always thinking outside the box for ways to promote artists and organisations in the Bay that are fun and innovative.

CBOP is the Bay's most creative charity and serves to bring life and diversity to the arts sector.

Art and creative expression is such an important part of being human and partnering with CBOP for creative projects has been one of, if not the best part of my photography career.

I've felt supported, appreciated, and inspired, and I'd recommend people get involved where possible.

Thanks Eric, Rose, Alicia, and the rest of the team.

Kendra Stone
Tauranga

The Bay of Plenty Times welcomes letters from readers. Please note the following:
• Letters should not exceed 200 words.

• They should be opinion based on facts or current events.

• If possible, please email.

• No noms-de-plume.

• Letters will be published with names and suburb/city.

• Please include full name, address and contact details for our records only.

• Local letter writers given preference.

• Rejected letters are not normally acknowledged.

• Letters may be edited, abridged, or rejected at the Editor's discretion.

• The Editor's decision on publication is final. No correspondence will be entered into.

Email editor@bayofplentytimes.co.nz