Defining Older Australians
Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) defines ‘older age’ or ‘elderly’ as being aged 65 years and over, Royal Life Saving employs a slightly broader definition to capture those aged 55 years and over. This expanded definition was employed due to the concerning large number of drowning deaths occurring among those aged 55 years and over.
The WHO Heidelberg Guidelines (1997) identify three groups of older people along the health-fitness gradient: the physically fit-healthy; the physically unfit-unhealthy but independent living; and the physically unfit-unhealthy and dependent individuals. Within each of these categories, people may be either sedentary or physically active.
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Key Risk Factors
Older Australians (that is those aged 55 years and over) make up a significant proportion of the total number of drowning deaths that occur in Australia every year. On average, 87 people aged 55 years and over have drowned in Australia every year for the past 10 years.
Reduced physical ability and increased mobility limitations
Reduced fitness, and swimming and water safety skills
Pre-existing medical conditions and medications
Swimming or recreating alone
Overestimation of skill and underestimation of risk
Alcohol consumption
Risk Management Strategies
From these simple observations, it becomes apparent that factors contributing to the drowning death of older Australian has many diverse contributing factors and requires an aquatic facility to implement a broad ranging program to deal with them. The following lists some key things aquatic facilities could look at implementing.
Encourage older people to notify staff at the entrance if they have any pre-existing medical conditions, or consume any medications that may increase their risk of injury.
Consider the use of older people as instructors for any courses aimed at older people
Have staff complete the Royal Life Saving Older Australians Online Learning Program
Embrace the Royal Life Saving Swim Ready Campaign to assist in awareness and education of Medical Conditions
Introduce Participation Programs specific for Ageing Communities
Increase supervision at times of when Older Persons frequent the facility more often
Change the temperature of the water
Visit the Royal Life Saving Shop and purchase a Defibrillator