Ways to Avoid Falls

I was e-mailed this lovely article full of tips on how to be wary of falls. I thought I’d share so that everyone can take precautions with their loved ones. Enjoy!

Rona

Fending off Falls

Falls can be catastrophic for seniors. A broken bone may not be a big deal for a 10 year-old, but for a senior it can be an immense setback. Fortunately, with the right

Exercise: Exercise, from tai chi to walking, decreases the risk of falls. The best exercise program is one that you or your loved one enjoy and will stick to.precautions, most falls can be avoided:

Use a cane or walker: Some seniors won’t use a cane or walker because they don’t want to look or feel old. Don’t allow yourself or your loved ones to be stubborn or vain to the point of risking health and safety.

Mind your medicines: The more medicines a senior takes, the more likely a fall is to occur. Seniors should be aware of the potential side effects of their medicines and watch out for medicines that can cause drowsiness or balance problems. For those who seem to be a serious fall risk, a complete reevaluation of medications may be in order.

FACTS ABOUT FALLS

• Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.

• In 2009, 2.2 million fall injuries among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 581,000 of these patients were hospitalized.

• Rates of fall-related fractures among older women are more than twice those for men.

• One out of three adults age 65 and older falls each year but less than half talk to their healthcare providers about it.

Source: Center for Disease Control (CDC)

For more detailed information about falls and seniors, we encourage you to read the in-depth article, Senior Fall Prevention.