Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Falls are the primary contributor to injury-related deaths for older Americans, which is why Falls Prevention Awareness Week is so important. Apart from the physical and financial toll of rehabilitation and the pain endured from a fall, the fear of falling can also significantly diminish quality of life. Fear may cause someone to restrict activities and social interactions, which can trigger a cycle of declining physical and mental health.
Fortunately, by focusing on specific ways to prevent falls, elderly Americans can take back some of their power over this fear. The National Council on Aging recognizes the first full week of fall each year as Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
Here are the six key ways, according to the NCOA, for older adults to to protect themselves from falls.
1. Find a good balance and exercise program.
Look to build balance, strength and flexibility. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for referrals. This agency helps older citizens remain independent and healthy in the community through services and assistance programs. Find an exercise program you like and take a friend.
2. Talk to your health care provider.
Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls or near-falls. Having these conversations can help bring up other issues to keep in mind to prevent falls.
3. Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist.
Make sure side effects, like dizziness or light-headedness, aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed and take note of how they make you feel.
4. Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses.
Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet. Poor vision impairs balance and increases the risk of falls and fractures in older people.
5. Keep your home safe.
Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas. Make sure to keep clutter off the floors, including phone charging cables, shopping bags and even the shoes you just removed. Keeping everything “in its place” is a good habit to reinforce.
6. Talk to your family members.
Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue. When having visitors, ask them to not leave clutter on the floor or move furniture that might be in the way.
Cultris Security
281-506-8466
Image by Andrea Piacquadio on pexels.com
