In the last ten days alone, I received three such calls, each reporting an elderly person unable to move after a fall, with severe pain on hip movement. On evaluation, all were diagnosed with hip fractures. One more was an acquaintance, active till few days back, now suddenly confined to a bed, staring at the ceiling, asking the same question again and again: “Bas bathroom mein thoda phisla hi toe tha, haddi kaise toet gayi?” That simple slip changed everything.

Falls in the elderly are not accidents. They are events waiting to happen, especially in winter. Winter is unforgiving to ageing bodies. Cold stiffens joints, slows reflexes, weakens muscles and dulls balance. Floors become slippery, bathrooms damp, carpets loose and footwear unreliable. Vision worsens as light reduces and eye fog sets in. Blood pressure fluctuates. Medicines behave differently in cold weather. What looks like a minor misstep to a young person becomes catastrophic for an older one.

A fall in elderly is often the beginning of a cascade. The most feared outcome is hip fracture. Unlike fractures in the young, an elderly hip fracture is not merely a bone injury; it is a life-altering event. Surgery may be required.........

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