Risks of the "long lie"

Older people, who fall at home with nobody around, may have what doctors call a "long lie": you are in pain or too shocked to get up and may have to wait for a long time before help arrives. This in itself can create further health problems such as hypothermia or pneumonia from exposure to extreme cold or dehydration from the lack of fluid.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature and occurs when your body loses more heat than it can generate. The normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Centigrade), although it varies throughout the day. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature descends below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Centigrade).

Hypothermia can be brought on when staying in a cool place for too long. If you can't get up after a fall and are unable to reach out for a blanket or some clothing to keep warm you might be at risk. Especially when you have other illnesses or are on medications, your body may have a decreased ability to regulate its temperature.

Symptoms of hypothermia usually begin very slowly and include shivering uncontrollably, feeling confused, tired, drowsy and weak. If you fear someone has hypothermia, call an ambulance immediately and keep the person warm. Give a warm drink but not alcohol.