Preventing a fall; Why it’s important

Asimple thing can change your life — like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet floor. Falls have the potential to be very devastating; approximately one out of 10 falls among older adults result in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury that requires hospitalization.

In addition to the physical and emotional pain, many people need to spend several months recovering in a long-term care facility; some are never able to return home. Falls are also the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults.

Falls are not an inevitable consequence of aging, but they do occur more often among older adults because fall risk factors increase with age and are usually associated with health and aging conditions.

Factors that increase the risk of a fall include mobility problems due to muscle weakness or balance problems, vision changes or vision loss and loss of sensation in the feet.

Additional risks include inactivity, medication side effects and/or interactions and alcohol use. Environmental risk factors such as clutter, poor lighting and incorrect size, type, or use of assistive devices such as walkers and canes also increase the risk of a fall.

Falls seldom just happen. Taking care of your health and improving home safety can greatly decrease your risk of experiencing a life changing fall.

The good news is that many falls are preventable; the fear of falling doesn’t need to rule your life. Instead, consider these simple fall-prevention strategies.

• Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. HDMG offers members the SilverSneakers certified fall prevention program through our the ZONE Fitness center.

• Have your healthcare provider review your medications. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medications you take, even over-thecounter medications. As you get older, the way medications work in your body can change. Some medication, or combinations of medications, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can increase your risk of falling.

• Have your eyes and hearing tested regularly. You may need a new prescription or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Always wear your glasses when you need