If you are an older person who has noticed yourself bruising more easily, or if you’re caring for someone who seems to bruise more easily than they used to, it’s common to be concerned. First and foremost, you likely want to know: why do older people bruise easily? You may also be wondering if this increased bruising is normal or something serious to worry about — and seeing such signs of vulnerability can be a saddening sign that people you love are getting older.
Thankfully, most of the time, increased bruising in elderly people is nothing to worry about, and it primarily occurs because of changes that happen to the skin during aging. Still, there are some instances where bruising is cause for concern. Here’s what to look for and how to prevent serious bruising in elderly people, as well as other injuries.
Why do older people bruise easily?
The number one reason why older people bruise more easily is because of changes in skin, fat tissue and other bodily systems. Collagen and blood vessel production reduces over time and the layer of fat beneath the skin that offers protective cushioning for bumps and falls tends to thin out as we age. This gives the skin a fragility that was unfamiliar earlier in life, causing more bruises.
It’s not just bruising that becomes more common as we age. The skin’s healing and regenerative processes slow down as we get older. Thinning skin can lead to skin tears and other injuries. Tears in the skin can be infected if left untreated, and older people are more prone to these infections.
Causes of age-related bruising
Age-related bruising has several causes. Let’s look at the most common causes of bruising in older adults.
- Medications
The medications older people take may make them more susceptible to bruising. In particular, drugs like aspirin and warfarin may increase instances of bruising. The blood may not clot as easily following injury as a result of their blood-thinning properties, leading to increased bruising.
- Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or liver problems, can impair things like circulation or blood clotting capability, affect your body’s ability to heal after even a minor injury. Many older adults suffer from comorbidities, leaving them very susceptible to increased bruising.
- Changes in mobility
Changes in mobility as we age can cause us to become injured more easily, leading to increased instances of bruising. As we age, we may not move as easily as we once did and we may become unbalanced more often, using furniture to help us stay upright. This can result in bumps, trips and falls, all of which contribute to increased bruising.
Learning to use new equipment — like stairlifts, Zimmer frames and wheelchairs — can also lead to more injuries, as people may be less aware of the boundaries of their bodies.
Accidental vs. intentional bruising: How to spot the difference
While increased bruising in older people can be normal due to bumps or minor accidents, it’s common to wonder when bruising may be a sign of something more serious, such as intentional bruising or elder abuse.
Accidental bruises
Bumps and falls are most likely to cause bruising on bony parts of the body. Accidental bruises are therefore much more likely to show up on someone’s legs, arms or knees. Look out for irregular shapes and spreading as the bruise improves.
In most cases, you can determine the cause of accidental bruising by looking at how someone spends their day-to-day. Wheelchair users, for instance, may be more likely to brush their lower legs against footrests as they move or bruise their hands and arms as they propel themselves through doorways and other tight spaces. Removing unused wheelchair footrests or finding ways to make the home more accessible can help with this. .
Intentional bruises
Intentional bruises typically look different than accidental bruises. For instance, they may show patterns like handprints, finger marks or the outline of an object like a belt. Additionally, you will usually find these bruises in unexpected places, like the neck, back or inner thighs.
While the reality of elder abuse is upsetting, spotting and acting on the warning signs is important to protect someone close to you from harm. Investigate any unusual marks or bruises and ask yourself questions like:
- Is the elderly person suddenly more fearful or withdrawn?
- Do they seem hesitant to speak when certain people are around?
- Does the caregiver’s story match the injury?
- Have the injuries happened repeatedly?
It’s important to take action if alarm bells ring. In some cases, you may need to remove your loved one from this caretaker’s care. You can contact 999 or your local police or council services to report suspected abuse.
Ways to prevent elderly skin bruising
There are several key methods for preventing bruising — and injuries overall — in elderly people. Here’s what to know.
Fall and accident prevention
Preventing bruises and other injuries begins by creating a safe environment at home. Handrails, grab bars and non-slip mats in the bathroom and other spaces can make a difference for stability. Look out for trouble spots like rugs that are susceptible to slipping or areas where low lighting make tripping more likely.
Older people can also feel empowered to improve their own balance and muscle strength through light exercise such as yoga and gentle forms of resistance training.
Dietary tips
Proper nutrition can help keep the blood vessels and skin healthy. Consider getting more of the following as part of a balanced diet:
- Vitamin C: from foods like citrus fruits, strawberries and peppers. It aids in collagen production, which can help strengthen skin.
- Vitamin K: from foods like leafy greens. It helps support blood clotting, which may help reduce bruising.
- Iron: from foods like spinach, beans and red meat. It may help you heal faster from bruises.
Review medications
It’s a good idea to discuss the medication you are on with your GP or pharmacist. Drugs such as blood thinners may make you more susceptible to bruising. A simple change of dosage or switch to a different medication may help reduce the risk of bruising.
When to see a doctor about age-related bruising
Again, elderly skin bruising is common, and most of the time, the bruises are harmless. Still, there are times when it makes sense to consult a GP or other trusted medical professional. If you or a person close to you notices a bruise that is very big or sore, or it’s not clear how it happened, this could be a warning sign of an underlying issue. Clotting or side effects of medication could be the cause. Look out for bruises appearing alongside other issues, such as tiredness, nosebleeds losing weight unexpectedly and consult your doctor if you’re worried.
Of course, if there’s ever a concern about elder abuse or unexplained injuries, you should seek expert support right away.
Why do older people bruise more easily? The bottom line
Dealing with health concerns can be stressful, especially for older people. But simply being aware of these concerns and responding in a compassionate and curious manner as you search for solutions shows that you care. Problems like bruising, which can seem negligible in the grand scheme of things, can open the door to discussing an older person’s health and wellbeing in wider terms and tackling any other issues relating to their safety.
If you are ever unsure or have concerns about your own health or the health and well-being of someone you love, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help.