The potential role of high-protein, high calcium dairy foods as a preventative measure to reduce the cost of falls among older people to the Northern Ireland health system has been shared by the Dairy Council.
Findings from a peer-reviewed study in Australia found significant benefits when increasing dairy intake to three and a half servings daily among care home residents.
These included a 46% reduction in hip fractures, a 33% reduction in fractures overall, and an 11% reduction in falls.
The research study indicates that the dairy intervention was cost-saving for fracture reduction.
Increased dairy intake
Applying this to Northern Ireland, Dr. Sandra Iuliano from the University of Melbourne, has calculated that increasing dairy foods to a similar level in older adults in Northern Ireland care homes would result in 1,600 fewer falls annually.
This in turn, could lead to savings equivalent of around £737,000 per year to the NI health system in hospital costs, and around another £726,800 to care homes themselves.
In 2023, NI’s Public Health Agency noted the cost of falls among the over-65s to the health service to be around £375 million over two years.
Nutritionist at Dairy Council NI, Dr. Carole Lowis said this estimate suggests the potential of dairy foods as low-cost, nutritional preventatives for older people.
“Extra dairy foods can be incorporated into existing menus in a way that suits care home residents and indeed all older people, whether that’s a milky drink or serving cheese as a snack in between meals.”
Dr. Iuliano’s calculation notes if protein and calcium intake is low in older adults of a similar age in the community, then it is feasible they too may benefit from the increased consumption pf products such as milk or cheese.
“Falls and fractures are among the most significant issues affecting the health and wellbeing of older people,” Dr. Lowis continued.
“By providing an estimation for Northern Ireland, Dr. Iuliano demonstrates the potential of dairy as a cost-effective means to positive ageing both to help improve the wellbeing of older people while saving the public purse.”
