Falls are the leading cause of deaths related to injury for people age 65 and older. The falls that don’t kill you can change your life. Simple falls can decrease your mobility. Broken bones may not heal properly and these bones can be more likely to break in the future. Consider this: One out of three seniors fall every year. Two-thirds who fall will fall again within six months. In 2018 & 2019, 2.5 million seniors were treated in emergency departments; over 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized. Senior Prevention should be a priority for both seniors and for those with seniors in their lives.
The risks of falling are higher for several reasons:
- Your gait and balance is not as good as when younger.
- The use of some medications may affect your balance.
- Your muscle strength is not what it use to be. Men are more likely to die from a fall than women. Women are more likely to be injured in a fall than men. Osteoporosis – thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density – increases risk of a hip fracture from a fall.
Precautions to Prevent Falls: Exercise regularly. Exercise to increase leg strength, improve balance and flexibility. Tai Chi, Yoga, and bicycling. Review your Medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Visit your Optometrist once a year. Take daily recommended levels of calcium and Vitamin D. Move furniture if in your way. Use double-sided tape so throw rugs will not sip or get rid of throw rugs. Stairs lights and switches at top and bottom of the stairs. Keep Bedroom and Bathrooms clutter free. Avoid slippers!! Purchase a medical alert – it could SAVE your life…..
Brenda Dever-Armstrong, CEO/Owner
The Next Horizon Senior & Military Locator/Resources