Recent statistics from the WHO (The World Health Organization) inform us that, in the United States, about one in four adults (28%), age 65 and over, have reported falling yearly. These 36 million falls, reported among seniors, have resulted in more than 32,000 deaths. Additionally, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), reveals that adults over the age of 60 have suffered the greatest number of fatal falls. Nevertheless, with half of people over 80 having at least one fall yearly, most of these encounters do not result in serious injury. However, statistics do reveal that older women fall more often than men and are far more likely to incur fractures when they fall. I am among those stats with three broken spinal bones received after three serious falls in the past five years.
Some reasons for falling are normal aging (possibly poor eyesight or poor hearing), as well as illnesses and physical conditions that can affect your strength and balance. Centegra/Northwestern Health System mentions specifically chronic mental or physical diseases that include meds with side effects of falling, such as antidepressants, sedatives, and certain other psych medicines. With a medicine’s toxicity infrequently occurring from a prescribed overdose of its drug’s safe use of milligrams, it is critical for all ages of individuals to seek immediate attention from neurologists (monitoring their patient’s condition often in hospitals) to change this dangerous situation. The above factors then can play a leading important role in the occurrence of falls.
Conditions found within your homes, such as poor lighting or throw rugs, can also contribute to falls. Two basic types of falls are: elevated falls and same-level falls. Most less severe same-level falls, slips or trips, occur more frequently. Elevated-falls are more severe, however, due to the individual hitting a walking or working surface or striking an object on the way down.
Our local Huntley health system recommends also consulting your medical professional when you become aware of physical changes that might be altering your balance or gait (walking pattern). In 2022, many local therapists with excellent programs are available for all those in need. My article, seen below on the same topic, published originally for our newspaper in August, 2019, discusses Centegra’s tips (at the time) to remove environmental factors leading to falls:
Outdoors
1. Use a cane with highly recommended three-pronged bottom or a walker for more stability.
2. For good traction, wear rubber-soled shoes.
3. When sidewalks are slippery (especially in colder weather), walk on grass where possible. Slow down as you walk.
4. In winter, sprinkle salt or kitty litter on sidewalks.
5. In your home’s high traffic areas leading from outside, use solid mats and carpet runners where possible.
Indoors
1. Try to keep your rooms free of clutter, especially where extra obstacles may be found on the floors.
2. Keep floor surfaces smooth but not slippery.
3. Low-heeled shoes with good support are highly recommended everywhere you go.
4. Though this may seem difficult to do, it is highly recommended that you avoid walking in socks, stockings, even slippers at home.
5. Carpets and area rugs should have skid-proof backing or be tacked and adhered to the floor.
6. All rooms should be well-lit, especially stairwells which should have hand rails on both sides.
7. For difficult to reach areas, use a portable step stool with a handrail and wide steps.
8. Add ceiling fixtures for better lighting in rooms lit by lamps.
9. Bathroom showers, tubs, and toilets need the installation of grab bars.
10. Use a rubber mat on the surface of your shower or tub.
11. Keep a flashlight (with operating batteries) at all times next to your bed.
12. Cordless phones (kept alongside you throughout the day) prevent needless falls caused by rushing to answer phones. ***Use these modern cell phones or other emergency devices to call for medical assistance in case of a damaging fall.
