FALLING
Did you know that one in three older
Americans falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and
nonfatal injuries for people aged 65+. Falls can result in hip fractures,
broken bones, and head injuries. And even falls without a major injury can
cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for
them to stay active.If you have an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor in
your life, helping them reduce their risk of falling is a great way to help
them stay healthy and independent as long as possible.
And September is the
perfect time to take action. Sept. 22 isNational Falls Prevention Awareness Day,
sponsored by NCOA's Falls Free© Initiative. This year, 46 states,
the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico will be hosting health fairs, falls
risk screenings, and other events to educate older adults about this critical
health issue.
The good news about
falls is that most of them can be prevented. The key is to know where to look.
Here are some common factors that can lead to a fall:
·
Balance
and gait: As we age, most
of us lose some coordination, flexibility, and balance— primarily through
inactivity, making it easier to fall.
·
Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the
retina—making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see.
·
Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter
medications can cause dizziness, dehydration or interactions with each other
that can lead to a fall.
·
Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes
for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might
keep it safer as they age.
·
Chronic
conditions: More than 90% of
older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or
arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in
lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple
medications.
6 Steps to Reducing Falls
Here are six easy
steps you can take today to help your older loved one reduce their risk of a
fall:
1. Enlist their support in taking simple
steps to stay safe.
Ask your older loved
one if they’re concerned about falling. Many older adults recognize that
falling is a risk, but they believe it won’t happen to them or they won’t get
hurt—even if they’ve already fallen in the past. A good place to start is by
sharing NCOA’s Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls. If
they’re concerned about falling, dizziness, or balance, suggest that they
discuss it with their health care provider who can assess their risk and
suggest programs or services that could help.
2. Discuss their current health
conditions.
Find out if your older
loved one is experiencing any problems with managing their own health. Are they
having trouble remembering to take their medications—or are they experiencing
side effects? Is it getting more difficult for them to do things they used to
do easily?
Also make sure they’re
taking advantage of all the preventive benefits now offered under Medicare,
such as the Annual Wellness visit. Encourage them to speak openly with their
health care provider about all of their concerns.
3. Ask about their last eye
checkup.
If your older loved
one wears glasses, make sure they have a current prescription and they’re using
the glasses as advised by their eye doctor.
Remember that using
tint-changing lenses can be hazardous when going from bright sun into darkened
buildings and homes. A simple strategy is to change glasses upon entry or stop
until their lenses adjust.
Bifocals also can be
problematic on stairs, so it’s important to be cautious. For those already
struggling with low vision, consult with a low-vision specialist for ways to
make the most of their eyesight.
4. Notice if they’re holding onto walls,
furniture, or someone else when walking or if they appear to have difficulty
walking or arising from a chair.
These are all signs
that it might be time to see a physical therapist. A trained physical therapist
can help your older loved one improve their balance, strength, and gait through
exercise. They might also suggest a cane or walker—and provide guidance on how
to use these aids. Make sure to follow their advice. Poorly fit aids actually
can increase the risk of falling.
5. Talk about their medications.
If your older loved
one is having a hard time keeping track of medicines or is experiencing side
effects, encourage them to discuss their concerns with their doctor and
pharmacist. Suggest that they have their medications reviewed each time they
get a new prescription.
My mom had an
elaborate spreadsheet to keep track of her medications and schedules. Adding a
timed medication dispenser that my sister refilled each month promoted her
peace of mind and allowed us to ensure her adherence to the prescribed regime.
Also, beware of
non-prescription medications that contain sleep aids—including painkillers with
“PM” in their names. These can lead to balance issues and dizziness. If your
older loved one is having sleeping problems, encourage them to talk to their
doctor or pharmacist about safer alternatives.
6. Do a walk-through safety assessment of
their home.
There are many simple
and inexpensive ways to make a home safer. Here are some examples:
·
Lighting: Increase lighting throughout the house,
especially at the top and bottom of stairs. Ensure that lighting is readily
available when getting up in the middle of the night.
·
Stairs: Make sure there are two secure rails on
all stairs.
·
Bathrooms: Install grab bars in the tub/shower and
near the toilet. Make sure they’re installed where your older loved one would
actually use them.
As important as all of the suggestions above are at the root of the problem frequently is
allowing ourselves to let our fitness lag since it is commonly believed that ailments and chronic illness accompany aging. This is a misnomer that many of us have accepted from the media and it is the single most destructive belief that inhibits us improving our quality of life as we age. No you are not supposed to gain weight, have heart disease and diabetes just because you are getting a little older. We do not maintain our fitness because we do not maintain our activity level. Our seniors need more opportunities to move safely whether it is a regimented fitness plan or just moving around consistently.
Earlier today I saw a
story about those motorized carts/wheelchairs that everyone seems to
have these days. The reporter indicated that over 80% of them ordered and
paid for by Medicare are obtained under false pretenses and are not needed by
the owner of these vehicles. My first thought was not the wasted money and
fraud but who would want to become immobile? Because this is what is going to
occur if you stop moving and begin riding in a chair you do not need, instead
of walking. The reporter also indicated that the marketing is driving seniors
to demand that they have one as well.
Walking has many
benefits including improving balance and strength which often play a part in
seniors falling without something actually causing their fall. It is extremely
important if you are or are caring for a senior to make sure they are
strengthening their limbs and core. It will reduce the chances of them falling
and causing greater injury to themselves. Their bones are more brittle and
falling often leads to loss of independence and confidence. In some cases it
marks a long slide into failing health and sometimes death. It is not okay to
write off to getting old since aging can be done gracefully without becoming
feeble.
The companies as
indicated in their marketing are advocating and pressuring the doctors to write
prescriptions even though there is no real need. This is not shocking since
they write prescriptions for medicines and treatments that are not really
needed and can cause harm. Although this is not a toxic chemical it is a toxic
and debilitating situation for those riding. Be happy you are still mobile and
ambulatory since the alternative is limiting for you and those around you. If
you do not need a cart be thankful you are still able to Get Up Get Moving towards a healthier and more
fulfilling lifestyle..........
Remember CHIT CHAT WON'T BURN FAT, Keep It Moving
