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There are auto-inflating airbag belts that protect the hips for seniors during falls. I think the tech started in motorcycle racing then became available for cy
by nikisweeting 5y ago
There are auto-inflating airbag belts that protect the hips for seniors during falls. I think the tech started in motorcycle racing then became available for cyclists, and is finally available for seniors now.
Here's one company I found but I think there are others offering solutions too: https://en.helite.com/hipguard/ https://en.helite.com/hipguard/
- dreamcompiler 5y agoThis looks like an interesting product but how do you get them to wear it consistently? Half the problem in hip fractures is mentation: Many elderly people have decreased balance, decreased pain sense, and decreased muscle strength. And yet they're not cognizant of any of this, so they continue to try to behave the way they did 20 years ago and of course they fall. Getting them to become aware of their limitations would prevent a lot of falls but it is very difficult. I'd expect that getting them to wear this belt would be similarly difficult.
- nikisweeting 5y agoI think it's definitely a struggle, but if my choice were to move into a care home or wear this, I'd choose wearing the belt.
- dsizzle 5y agoYeah, and people who have fallen once already and ended up in the hospital are probably now plenty aware of their limitations, whatever illusions they may have once had.