Beware of accidents during bathing by elderly people who frequently occur in winter!

Beware of accidents during bathing by elderly people who frequently occur in winter!

Bathing is one of the important lifestyle in Japan, which can be expected not only to keep the body clean but also have a relaxing effect. On the other hand, depending on the physical condition of bathing and the bathing environment, there is a risk of serious accidents such as impaired consciousness and drowning. According to the analysis of demographics, the number of drownings in home bathtubs increased by about 70% in 10 years, reaching 4,866 in 2014. Elderly people (65 years old and older) account for about 90% of them, and the elderly need special attention.
According to a questionnaire survey conducted by the Consumer Affairs Agency for consumers aged 55 and over, only 34% of people who do not have a chronic illness know that a bathing accident will occur. Was not well known. In addition, only 42% of those who adhere to the safe bathing method, "up to less than 10 minutes at 41 degrees", and 36% of those who have not implemented any measures to warm bathrooms, etc. It turned out that consumer safety measures were insufficient. Under these circumstances, about 10% of the people had a close experience of getting up during bathing and losing consciousness.
To take a safe bath, pay attention to the following points.

（１） Warm the dressing room and bathroom before taking a bath.
（２） The temperature of the hot water should be 41 degrees or less, and the time of soaking in the hot water should be up to 10 minutes.
（３） Don't stand up from the bathtub suddenly.
（４） Avoid taking a bath until alcohol is cleared or just after meals.
（５） Before taking a bath, call out to your cohabitants and have them look around.

• Beware of accidents during bathing by elderly people who frequently occur in winter! （PDF：200KB）(Consumer Affairs Agency)