Injuries in sports activities in elderly people

Regular physical activity in old age is widely recommended as an effective way to prevent chronic diseases and maintain well-being. Nevertheless, sports participation carries the risk of injury. In elderly people, the risk of injury is greater due to age-related pathophysiological changes and concomitant chronic conditions. Available data indicate an increasing number of injuries among older people, which is associated with there being more older people and an increasing number of these people are participating in sports and physical exercise. An appropriate identification of risk factors for injury and education of older people can reduce the incidence of injuries. Methods of preventing injuries include protective equipment such as helmets, warming up, and properly designed training programmes. Health benefits of participation in regular physical activity adjusted to health status and physical functioning outweigh hazards of sport-related injuries, even in advanced age.