Falling down is a senior citizens worst fear and it’s the one thing that keeps a senior from enjoying life after age 65.
In fact, falling down is the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries to older Americans. Every 11 seconds, an older adult goes to an emergency department to treat an injury from a fall, according to the National Council on Aging (NIA). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that death rates from falls among adults 65 and older increased more than 30 percent between 2007 and 2016.
These are scary statistics. But, the fact is, that with a bit of planning, falling down by seniors can be prevented. All it takes is mapping out their environment with safety features and teaching them to take care of their bodies.
Indeed, prevention is the key, and it can be done.
Falling Down: Balance is The Key
Prevention means not only adding safeguards to their homes or nursing facilities, but also making sure they exercise. Good body balance goes a long way to preventing falls.
The fear of falling down is enough to make a senior afraid of moving and exercising. it’s very important that
A critical part of keeping that balance in their lives is staying active. So, here are several suggestions you can take to make your loved ones’ environment and themselves fall-free.
- Work on strength and resistance training. Your senior doesn’t need weights — two tin cans, one in each hand — lifting them in an up-down motion for 10 minutes works great.
- Walk and use stairs if possible. Join or start a walking club if it will help motivate you.
- Strengthen your quads. One way to do that is by leaning against a wall, sliding down into a squat, then standing again — and doing repetitions.
- Improve your balance. Yoga can help older people. So can martial arts training such as tai chi.
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Clouded vision or impaired hearing can greatly boost your chances of falling.
- Talk with your doctor. Or ask your pharmacist about medication side effects that could increase fall risk.
- Wear the right shoes. Find a pair that won’t make you slip.
- Remove tripping hazards. Check your home for what can cause a fall.
Safety Proof The Seniors’ Home
The National Institute on Aging says 6 out of 10 falls occur at home. So put down slip-resistant mats rather than throw rugs. Make sure that electrical cords out of the way. Also, change door handles to levers instead of knobs, and use railings and grab bars to navigate the home. Finally and critically, place slip-resistant mats in the tub or shower.
Take your queue from a highly rated assisted living facility, preventing falls is a very important quality of life issue.
You can strike the right balance for your loved one through exercises for them and adding safety guards to their environment.