A little ray of sunshine prevents falls
Older people are encouraged to bask in the sun’s rays regularly in order to maintain adequate Vitamin D levels, which can in turn prevent falls.
A study by Neuroscience Research Australia found that low Vitamin D levels are associated with falls in the elderly, particularly men.
Reported in the Journal of Osteoporosis International, Jasmine Menant of Neuroscience said that sunshine and Vitamin D are essential for maintaining people’s physical strength and cognitive abilities.
“Our study shows the importance of ensuring that Vitamin D levels are adequate in all older people, particularly as the benefits seem to extend beyond cognition and the musculoskeletal system to our ability to prevent ourselves from falling,” she said.
Ms Menant and her colleagues investigated the relationship between Vitamin D levels and falls in people aged 70 to 90 living in the community.
The team found that about one third of participants were Vitamin D deficient.
These people were also weaker, had a slower reaction time, poorer balance and slower gait, and performed worse in cognitive function tests.
Vitamin D is produced by the skin after exposure to sunlight.
