Posted on 01/23/2018 6:46:22 AM PST by simpson96
CARMICHAEL (CBS13) — Numbers show 1 in 4 seniors who break their hips die within a year. It’s one of the most common and devastating injuries among the elderly.
Recently, CBS13 profiled a product out of France aimed at breaking those falls. Now, a similar airbag technology is taking shape in the U.S., and it’s being tested out by a group of seniors in Carmichael, and they say they’re happy to be part of the solution.
Being active is a big part of Yen Lu Wong’s life, but at 75 years old, the retired dance professor realizes the risks that come with it.
“Falling could really change our lives,” said Wong.
She is one of about a dozen residents at Eskaton Village Carmichael retirement community helping to soften the blow.
“I like to participate in anything that can help us lead productive lives.”
It’s part of a pilot study working to design, develop and perfect technology to prevent hip fractures during falls and is all contained in a belt. An airbag for your hips.
“The bags deployed so fast, and they come out, and they really surround your hip. they’re not just on the side,” said Eskaton resident Karen Robison.
It’s called Active Protection and is a wearable smart belt, similar to one featured at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this month, that deploys airbags when a fall is detected.
“It’s something that can be foreseen so why not work to prevent it,” said Robison.
(Excerpt) Read more at sacramento.cbslocal.com ...
This might have some real validity for the seasoned citizens.
Depending on how big that airbag is, this might just shift the injury to some other area. Instead of broken hips, now we’ll be seeing back injuries, or broken arms, or something.
Damage anywhere other than the hips is preferable. Hip fractures after age 75 are deadly.
[Depending on how big that airbag is, this might just shift the injury to some other area]
Those wearing the airbag might have to wear a helmet too. Looks like after the fall, wearers land on their head.
Neat idea but getting folks who are most likely to fall to leave the belt in place will be a challenge. Heck just getting some folks to leave compression socks in place can be a challenge
“Damage anywhere other than the hips is preferable. Hip fractures after age 75 are deadly.”
From a psychological perspective also. I work in a nursing home. A broken hip is considered a death sentence. Many just give up that would fight an injury elsewhere.
Preferable? Nonsense, There are worse falls than breaking a hip. If you break a hip, you may be laid up in a bed or wheelchair, but if you fall and break both arms (which is very common in the elderly), you are unable to feed or care for yourself.
Rib spine or head injuries aren’t any better
I know one can fall and break a hip, but how often does the hip shaft break/crack-— causing the fall?
I would think that even if another part also gets injured, an lot of the impact would be absorbed by the airbag itself, lessening the effect.
(NOTE: I am not a medical doctor, but a fictitious comic book mad scientist doctor)
I agree. It would almost have to be integrated in the pants or something
So, when they explode, will it be like the Hulk and rip your clothes exposing your nether region?
I’ve grown my own hip cushions.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.