Old age helmets

[Stevek76]

How can analogy do that? Looking at the data can.

But choosing whether or not to use protection in one setting shouldn't be determined by whether there's greater harm in a different setting.

Analogies can be with other cases with good data, it does not imply comparisons with anecdotes. Fallacy of analogy is when the analogy is inappropriate, not a proscription against any analogies.

When it comes to the question of whether an intervention is a proportionate one (which is not the same as whether it's effective) it's entirely valid to consider existing intervention thresholds in comparable matters, in this case other transport modes and daily activities. From a public policy perspective rather than a purely academic one I'd suggest it's rather negligent not to consider such matters.

A major issue with this subject is that question was completely skipped over on the basis of 'common sense', vibes and anecdotes.

[Bmblbzzz]

"Cochrane review shows that reducing trip hazards and decluttering can prevent falls among older people living at home":
Jonathan

Who'da thought it!? Are there studies concerning the defecation of bears in the woods? I've always wondered if the rumours are true.

The BBC have just reported that the Pope, on balance of probabilities and backed up by historical evidence is in all likelihood of Catholic religion.... following recent events, they think they're fairly safe with this news item...

..inside information further suggests that the breaking news 'the world is 'round' has gone back to the editors for fact checking.....

Impossible. Any such report on the BBC would have to be "balanced" by a claim the Pope was, in fact, a militant atheist.

[sjs]

But them stairs ..... and in a hoose with a vigorous collie and a insertive corgi! (likes an ankle-stroke, he does) I feel in my water (no study being available on the matter) that I should go carefully to bed; and also when I arise and go via them stairs for the necessary coffee to waken me fully.

Cats are also a poor safety mix with stairs, it turns out, especially when they've decided that if they come down with me that will lead to breakfast, and they'll just wait around near the top for me so as not to miss it.

Pete.

My nocturnal trips from bedroom to loo are done in the dark, passing the top of the stairs, and often in the presence of a cat, mostly black, hopeful of a snack. Perhaps keeping a helmet by the bed would be wise.

[cycle tramp]

Perhaps one with a head torch?

[sjs]

Perhaps one with a head torch?

You're right. Probably some.kind of light would be more protective than a helmet

[mattheus]

Perhaps one with a head torch?

You're right. Probably some.kind of light would be more protective than a helmet

Surely using BOTH is best? It's common sense ...

[Bmblbzzz]

First step is always to remove the hazard as far as possible. In this case, that's the stairs and the black cat. You need to move to a bungalow and get a luminous cat.

[Cugel]

First step is always to remove the hazard as far as possible. In this case, that's the stairs and the black cat. You need to move to a bungalow and get a luminous cat.

Any cat made luminous would feel a justifiable chagrin at being so-made merely for the convenience of some ole gimmer that's probably also buying third rate cat food and occasionally standing on the puss-tail. How is a respectable mog supposed to sneak up in the dark on mousle and rat if the wee larder raiders can see it coming 50 yards off? Also, what will the other cats think?

Personally I find the best remedy to the fate of sinking into needing a bungalow (which also seems to induce the wearing of beige clothing, showing unfortunate stains, not to mention over-neat gardens) is cycling. Stairs need the same thrusting muscles as does the bicycle. Also, balance-training occurs.

Anyway, any cat reading this (yes, they can read but don't like us to know it) is likely now to regard you as in need of stair-trip-up (or down, rather) in case you should go about making them all luminous via some unpleasant procedure then selling them to inadequate cat-slaves.

PS Have you ever seen a cat wearing a helmet? Of course not! They understand the risks and take them very successfully, without the need of a badly-made and essentially useless head dress. On the other hand, a cycling cat is a rarity.

[sjs]

First step is always to remove the hazard as far as possible. In this case, that's the stairs and the black cat. You need to move to a bungalow and get a luminous cat.

Any cat made luminous would feel a justifiable chagrin at being so-made merely for the convenience of some ole gimmer that's probably also buying third rate cat food and occasionally standing on the puss-tail. How is a respectable mog supposed to sneak up in the dark on mousle and rat if the wee larder raiders can see it coming 50 yards off? Also, what will the other cats think?

Personally I find the best remedy to the fate of sinking into needing a bungalow (which also seems to induce the wearing of beige clothing, showing unfortunate stains, not to mention over-neat gardens) is cycling. Stairs need the same thrusting muscles as does the bicycle. Also, balance-training occurs.

Anyway, any cat reading this (yes, they can read but don't like us to know it) is likely now to regard you as in need of stair-trip-up (or down, rather) in case you should go about making them all luminous via some unpleasant procedure then selling them to inadequate cat-slaves.

PS Have you ever seen a cat wearing a helmet? Of course not! They understand the risks and take them very successfully, without the need of a badly-made and essentially useless head dress. On the other hand, a cycling cat is a rarity.

Is the over-neat garden a symptom of needing a bungalow, or a consequence of moving into one? If the former, I'm in no need of moving just yet. As for the cat, he has a rich history of costly vet bills, but has never, as far as we know, bashed his head.

[sjs]

Perhaps one with a head torch?

You're right. Probably some.kind of light would be more protective than a helmet

Surely using BOTH is best? It's common sense ...

You must know by now that common sense is of no use at all. We need data. Large numbers of oldish, toilet-needing men, wandering about near stairs and cats in the dark, with and without various aids and items of PPE, and carefully recording the outcomes.

[mattheus]

You're right. Probably some.kind of light would be more protective than a helmet

Surely using BOTH is best? It's common sense ...

You must know by now that common sense is of no use at all. We need data. Large numbers of oldish, toilet-needing men, wandering about near stairs and cats in the dark, with and without various aids and items of PPE, and carefully recording the outcomes.

Like it. There must be a good PhD in this at least. Possibly a Nobel Prize?

[TrevA]

I recently fell over and banged my head whilst getting out of bed, sustaining a deep cut to my forehead, requiring stitches, and mild concussion. A helmet would probably have saved me from this injury, but that would mean having to sleep in the helmet, or putting it on before even attempting to get out of bed.

[cycle tramp]

I recently fell over and banged my head whilst getting out of bed, sustaining a deep cut to my forehead, requiring stitches, and mild concussion. A helmet would probably have saved me from this injury, but that would mean having to sleep in the helmet, or putting it on before even attempting to get out of bed.

Perhaps a pillow helmet? A pillow the same shape as a helmet....?

For all those older gentlemen who are forced to rise in the night.. Perhaps the safer alternative for the less squeamish is a wide mouth empty bottle that you will not use for anything else again...
Perhaps an old cycling water bottle, that has no other use.

[sjs]

I recently fell over and banged my head whilst getting out of bed, sustaining a deep cut to my forehead, requiring stitches, and mild concussion. A helmet would probably have saved me from this injury, but that would mean having to sleep in the helmet, or putting it on before even attempting to get out of bed.

Perhaps a pillow helmet? A pillow the same shape as a helmet....?

For all those older gentlemen who are forced to rise in the night.. Perhaps the safer alternative for the less squeamish is a wide mouth empty bottle that you will not use for anything else again...
Perhaps an old cycling water bottle, that has no other use.

I'm not sure that would be any safer than the other suggestions. As ever, we need data. Another topic for a PhD.

[Steady rider]

A study from 2020, 'The number of patients hospitalized with bicycle injuries is increasing - A
cry for better road safety, https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... oad_safety
provides data from Norway, it shows an increased accidents as helmet use increased, figures 5 and 6.

Clarke 2015 paper on Australia provides information by age groups.
Evaluation of Australia's bicycle helmet laws.
https://www.researchgate.net/publicatio ... elmet_laws

Clarke and Gillham 2019 study Effects of bicycle helmet wearing on accident and injury rates, https://pashev.ru/files/clarke-2019.pdf

A simple balance test, walking on say 12 inch, 9 inch, 6 inch wide, 4 inch wide, 3 inch wide strips etc may allow individuals to gauge their own balance index, say 2m to 5m long., with a chart. If they have good balance, Ok ride their normal bicycle, if their balance index is reduced, ride a bicycle designed to minimise falls. If very poor balance consider all their options.