MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 - FALLS

 MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2023 - SENIOR FALLS

Scene - It is Fall, and Betty needs to get her cooler weather clothes down from the shelves in her closet. She has a step stool. She gets a box with some sweaters down and puts it on her bed. The next box has some long-sleeved tops. It is just a little farther - but Betty gets on her step stool and reaches. She loses her balance and falls. She lays on the floor in her closet for a few minutes and then tries to get up. Ouch. That is painful. Her left leg is not functioning.  

Did she break her leg? Did the Fall break her hip? Can she get to a phone and call her neighbor to come over?

Let’s assume Betty can crawl to her desk, get to her phone, and call 911. Let’s also assume she doesn’t pass out and die on the floor of her closet. (Both of those options are real).

The EMTs somehow get into Betty’s house (she had the front door locked with the deadbolt). 

Betty goes to the hospital - she has a broken hip. She had a painful surgery to fix her hip. For the next several weeks, Betty gets physical therapy. She can’t drive. She uses a walker to get around. 

*****

So, let’s go back to the scenario. Betty reaches too far and falls. Humans (and seniors) think we can sometimes do more than we should. Maybe Betty should wait until her daughter comes in a few days to get the rest of the fall and winter clothes down - and the summer clothes put away.  

The adage “Discretion is the better part of valor” comes to mind. It is better to avoid a dangerous situation than risk bodily harm. 

Statistics show that more than one in four people aged 65 fall each year. The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rises with age. However, many falls can be prevented. For example, exercising, managing your medications, checking your vision, and making your home safer are steps to prevent a fall.

But, many older people - even if they haven’t fallen - have heard about the dangers of failing. So they avoid situations where they might fall. They avoid exercise. They become recluses in their own homes.  

Some suggestions to prepare for falling:

Take care of your overall health.  

If you take care of your overall health.

Stay physically active. The local recreation center in my community has “Silver Sneaker” programs, yoga, and other programs to stay active. My Medicare insurance company coverage pays me ten dollars if I walk at least three miles for at least ten days. (My goal is at least three miles EVERY DAY). 

Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger. Exercise also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Walking or climbing stairs and even appropriate weight lifting may slow bone loss from osteoporosis.

Try balance and strength training exercises. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi can all improve balance and muscle strength. You can also try lifting weights or using resistance bands to build strength.   Even if you haven’t done weights or strengthening exercises, get started (preferably at a gym or fitness center where somebody can help you). 

Fall-proof your home. Are there throw rugs that can trip you? Do you have support bars in your bathroom - in the shower and beside your toilet? If bending over is problematic, get a tool to pick things off the floor. 

Have your eyes and hearing tested. Research shows that changes in sight and hearing are linked to an increased fall risk. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, get used to them. New glasses might cause you to fall. Wear your glasses or contacts as your eye doctor advises. If you have a hearing aid, be sure it fits well and wear it.

Get enough sleep - but not too much. A good balance of sleep (most experts say between 7 and 9 hours a night) will refresh your body. And thinking of sleep, try to make it an appreciated sleep - after some good exercise in the day. Sleeping pills might help but don’t take sleeping pills every day. Alcohol can make you sleep - but it also can keep you from reaching the REM stage, and you will awake, not entirely rested. 

The mental aspect of not falling is also important. Don’t be like Betty in the example. If you can’t reach it off your closet shelf, have a friend help you. (And - having a friend over for coffee is a great social event, which is also positive.

Get robust and fit - but be smart about it.  

You may need a cane for stability - or even a walker. Falling (like the example) can result in death as you lay on the floor with a broken hip. You may get a “LifeAlert” type of safety device on a cord around your neck. If you fall and aren’t close to a phone, you can press the LifeAlert button and get help!!

Seniors - falls aren’t good. (Or - If you have Fall - you might also call it Autumn).  

Children and friends of seniors check up on your parents and friends. Help them maintain a fall-free life!!!

LOVE WINS
LOVE TRANSFORMS
KAREN ANNE WHITE, ©, OCTOBER 16, 2023