Simple Ways To Prevent Falls In Older Adults

[left-of-center2012]

As we age, the risk of falling increases and becomes increasingly perilous. A fall can be a real health set-back for a frail, elderly person. And, more older adults are dying from falls today than they used to 20 years ago. A recent study showed that more than 25,000 U.S. adults aged 75 years or older died from a fall in 2016, up from more than 8,600 deaths in 2000, and the rate of fatal falls for this age group roughly doubled.

Dr. Elizabeth Eckstrom, professor and chief of geriatrics at Oregon Health & Science University: "A lot of older adults and a lot of physicians think that falling is inevitable as you age, but in reality it's not.

For most people it's not just one bad thing. It's not just your balance, or it's not just your vision, or it's not just one pill that you're taking. If somebody wants to reduce their risk of falls they should really think about all of the various ways: making sure you're wearing the right shoes; using a walker if you need it; getting off those risky medications. It's really important to tend to all of those little details to really get your fall risk as low as possible. I encourage people to just work on that really, really hard. It's worth the trouble.

I think our older adults are starting to [be more active], and that also is going to put you at risk for falling. I always tell people to please not be sedentary to prevent falls. That's the worst thing you can do. You've got to be out and active, but being out and doing things does allow you to put yourself in a position where you could fall.”

full article @
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2019/07/14/741310765/simple-ways-to-prevent-falls-in-older-adults

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

1. Also, put your vacuum cleaner away so you don't trip over the hose in the dark.

Don't ask me how I know to give this particular bit of advice.

(I'm OK, just bruised.)

[marybourg]

7. I put my vacuum cleaner away permanently

and use 2 robot vacuum cleaners in order to avoid tripping on moving wires and hoses coiling around my feet.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

13. I've thought of getting one of those,

but it might not be very effective considering the configuration of my weird little house and its furniture. Also, I'd probably trip on it.

[marybourg]

14. They're not very expensive any more.

I paid $140 on Amazon for my second iLife A4, I think it is. As long as you get all wires and clothing off the floor , they work amazing well. They do need meticulous cleaning, although that's not a tripping hazard, just a mild annoyance.

[AJT]

2. My mother has fallen and broken bones 5 times

in the last 6 months. She just couldn't accept that she needed to stay seated while she healed. I am doing my best to help, but she needs to listen. Not accepting limitations is another reason elderly people fall.

[dawg day]

5. I'm a "darter"

I jump up and dart off in some direction without looking. Broke my foot that way!

I'm trying to train myself to rise slowly and look around before I take a step.

[Bayard]

3. I've always been a klutz

I can't imagine its going to get any better with aging. Just yesterday, my feet went out from under me in mud, and I landed on my ass in the ditch.

It happens.

[left-of-center2012]

4. My mother ...

My mother had osteoporosis and fell breaking her hip on three occasions,
requiring a pin each time.

She also developed Alzheimer's and had to be placed in a nursing home.

[virgogal]

6. Thanks for posting this.

I caught the very end of a discussion on this on NPR this AM and was disappointed that I missed it


I am elderly.

[Nay]

8. I'm surprised they didn't mention home environment as a contributor to falls. Loose rugs;

low furniture like ottomans and stools; slippery bathtubs; loose items on the floor (some seniors don't have the energy to keep their houses uncluttered); etc.

[Wellstone ruled]

9. Oh boy,

around our house it is,get the bubble wrap. One key to losing balance is,Ear problems. Inner Ear issues effect ones balance.

[mitch96]

10. I use a balance board suggested by a DU'er

great gizmo to help practice my balance.. JUst a round disk with grippy paper on it and a 1/2 ball on the bottom. I put it between the bed and dresser and practice. If I loose it I fall on the bed. After my practice I try standing on one leg, then the other for as long as I can...
As I age my balance has gone to shit. Started when the tinitus started so I think it's an inner ear thing. Also if you have vascular disease the lack of blood for a second or two could trigger it also. Growing up ain't for sissys...
m

[Peregrine Took]

11. Very good advice.

I once heard a fitness person at a health fair say the small trampolines are excellent, too, as they help with strengthening the ankles.

They are my weakness - my loosey goosey ankles.

Even though I'm a daily jogger my ankles are still so wobbly.

[LastDemocratInSC]

12. Falls are often due to lack of muscle strength.

Not always balance, or medications, or tripping, but the lack of strength to quickly compensate when a tumble starts.

[Soxfan58]

15. Thank you!

We should all take the precautions you mention.