Posted by Gerald J. Turner –
“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Remember that old commercial? No one wants to imagine getting older and facing the potential embarrassment or medical problems that can come along with a nasty fall, especially if home alone.
But, unfortunately, the truth is that 1 in 4 seniors suffers from a fall every year in the United States. Hospitals see a new case of fall-related injuries every 11 seconds. Let’s delve into some of the facts of falling and how you can prevent it from happening to you.
One of the biggest myths of falling is that it is a normal part of aging. It doesn’t have to be. Even though your muscle mass may not be what it used to be, there are definite steps that you can take to avoid falling.
1. Proper management of medication is important, as is having your vision and hearing checked to make sure your eyes and inner ears are sending the appropriate signals to the brain.
2. It is crucial to engage in exercises, such as Yoga, or Tai-chi that teach and cultivate balance and smoothness of movement. Working on your core strength can improve posture, and can also help prevent the physical conditions that lead to falls.
3. Don’t let falling become something you fear because of the potential for embarrassment. Losing our balance is a fact of life for people of all ages, and should be treated as such.
4. Make your living space as danger-free as possible by removing potential hazards. Clutter should be avoided, and common household safety measures should be ratcheted up a notch as you enter your senior years. Kitchen spills should be cleaned carefully and quickly after they occur, and your front walkway should be clear of snow or other debris. The bathroom is another area which should be made as safe as possible with non-slip rugs and bath pads.
5. Do not be afraid to use a walker or a cane. Seniors often think that these devices will make them slow and dependent, but the truth is often the opposite. Walking aids allow seniors to move around freely without leaning on another person and can be highly beneficial for maintaining physical strength, mobility and independence if they are used correctly.
Falling doesn’t have to be something that takes on a life of its own, and it certainly can be prevented. Think about a few ways that you can lower your risk of falling at home. You’ll be glad you did.
We specialize in and provide support to seniors, Veterans, and their loved ones. Our goal is always to guide clients toward solutions and decisions that best fit their unique circumstances.
If you or someone you know would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be honored to serve you.
