Golden Opportunities

Falls are the leading cause of injury death for seniors. Because a fall can break your bones and your spirit, prevention really is the bet medicine. Here to explain simple ways we can foil those falls is Lisa Love, director of Akron General Medical Center’s Level 1 Trauma Center.

Question:How common are falls? What are some of the common reasons seniors might fall?

Answer: More than one-third of adults age 65 and older fall each year. It's the leading cause of injury death for this age group.
As we get older, our body becomes weaker which can lead to problems in balance and in walking, causing us to be apt to fall more easily.
Also, about ½ of all falls are due to environment factors - obstacles we encounter daily.

Question:How might someone reduce their risk of falling?

Answer: Engage in regular physical activity. An exercise program aimed at strengthening one's lower body can help improve your balance.
When you get a new prescription, have your doctor or pharmacist review the other medications that you are taking. Certain medication interactions can cause dizziness or an unstable gait. In addition, be careful when you stand if you're experiencing dizziness. Stand slowly and pause to make sure you are okay before taking a step.

Question:What are some of the environmental factors you mentioned earlier? How can you avoid them?

Answer: Avoid throw rugs in your home. You may slip on them, or they may become bunched at one end and cause you to trip.
Make sure that there are railings for all of your stairs and grab bars for your bathtub or shower. Also make sure that the floor of your tub or shower is either a non-skid surface, or an anti-skid mat is laid down.
Keep good lighting in your house, even at night. Many falls when walking to the rest room at night. Make sure you either have a lamp within reach of your bed or you have night lights guiding your way to the bathroom.
Keep items in your kitchen at eye level so you do not have to reach for them or climb.
Wear good shoes that have tread on the bottom-make sure your soles are not worn out.

Question:Can canes and walkers help prevent falls?

Answer: If you are going to use a cane or a walker, be sure to talk to a physical therapist and be taught how to use them properly. There is specific training to use them safely.
If you are already using a cane or walker, make sure that there are clear pathways around your house that allow you to walk through with the cane or walker easily. For example, you wouldn't want to place a coffee table directly in front of the couch so that you could not easily walk through that area.

Question:Why is fall prevention so very important?

Answer: You really must do what you can to avoid falls. Falls often lead to prolonged hospital stays, and among seniors who fall there is a higher potential for complications. Many never return to their previous lifestyle. So please take fall prevention seriously.

Don't fall down on your fall prevention efforts. Following Lisa's tips, getting your home in order and double checking your medication interactions can help you maintain your quality of life. To learn more, or to get a fall prevention brochure, give Akron General a call at the number that's next. My thanks to Lisa Love.