- Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans
- One-fourth of Americans age 65+ fall each year, and as our age increases so does that percentage.
- Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall.
- Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.
- One out of five falls causes a serious injury such buycbdproducts broken bones or a head injury.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- First, speak openly with your doctor about fall risks and prevention. You can also assess your fears by filling out a fall risk questionnaire available from the Center for Disease Control.
- Conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts may limit our vision and increase fall risks. Even things such as wearing bifocals outside may be a stumbling block for some. So talk to your eye doctor and have your vision checked every year.
- Now what about your feet? You know our feet are what keep us grounded. Poor circulation or nerve damage in the feet, or any other foot issue may make us stumble, along with improper foot wear such as flip flops and heels… Make sure to have your feet checked annually, and please, do wear good supportive shoes both outside the house and in.
- Alcohol, prescriptions, and over-the counter medications and/or the interactions of these may cause side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, unsteadiness, or a decrease in blood pressure. Speak with your doctor or pharmacists about side effects and interactions of anything you take that may increase your risk of falling.
- Environmental factors in and around your home that increase your risk of falling are factors that are easy to fix:
- Keep things you can trip over off the floor – this includes pets under foot, clutter, electrical cords or wires, throw rugs that are not secured, or even rugs that are secured if you have trouble picking up your feet.
- Add grab bars and railings where needed
- Have adequate lighting inside out outside your house in order to see where you are walking.
- Avoid the use of step stools, ladders, or doing things like climbing on the kitchen counter! Keep things you need where they can be easily reached.
- Last but not least – STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE! Beginning as early as the fourth decade of life our skeletal muscle mass and strength decline with up to 50% being lost by the time we are 80. A functional fitness program that includes strength and endurance training, agility, balance, coordination, speed and power are ALL important for reducing fall risks. Studies show that walking alone is not enough. But more on that later….