A stumble, a trip, a fall. These incidents may seem minor, but they can lead to serious injuries and consequences, especially for older adults.
Consider these statistics from the Falls Free Initiative:
- Every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) falls in the U.S.
- More than one-fourth of Americans ages 65+ fall each year
- Falls result in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 32,000 deaths
- Each year, falls lead to approximately $50 billion spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million spent related to fatal falls
“As the top cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults, falls are a serious matter,” says Amy Sexton, a ThedaCare Physical Therapist who works at Peabody Manor in Appleton. “The good news is that people can take many steps to prevent these accidents.”
National Falls Prevention Month each September offers an excellent time to learn about the importance of taking a proactive approach to avoiding falls.
Risk Increases with Age
With age, we begin to lose strength and balance. In addition, eyesight, hearing and cognition can decline, further upping the risk for falls.
“Older people are more likely to take multiple medications,” Sexton says. “Some types of drugs can affect balance and increase the risk for falls.”
Certain medications for depression, sleep problems, high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease can lead to unsteadiness.
Environmental factors also play a role. Obstacles, trip hazards and poor lighting within the home can up the risk for falls.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, other conditions that increase risk for falls include:
- Lower-body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Foot pain
- Poor footwear
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Memory loss/dementia
The ‘Fallout’
Beyond the risk of serious injury, falls can lead to other negative consequences.
“The fear of falling is very real for many older adults,” Sexton says. “That may cause them to shy away from physical activity and social engagements, leading to a decrease in quality of life.”
Avoiding activities can lead to a less active lifestyle, social isolation, depression and feelings of helplessness.
“We want individuals and their loved ones to know that older adults can live healthy, active, social lives and still reduce their risk of falls,” Sexton says.
5 Smart Steps
- Keep up with routine care. Talk about your fall risk at your annual wellness visit.
- Prepare a list of the medications you take, including prescription, over-the-counter and supplements. Your doctor or advanced practice clinician can assess for interactions and side effects that may be contributing to your fall risk.
- Discuss any falls you’ve experienced, even minor ones. Also mention near-falls.
- Talk to your doctor about your health conditions. They may ask about dizziness, joint pain, shortness of breath, foot pain and your general comfort level with walking. They also might assess your muscle strength, balance and walking style.
- Stay active. Remaining physically fit can help prevent falls.
- Talk to your doctor about what exercises are right for you. If you have any specific challenges, they may refer you to a physical therapist. A PT may create a custom exercise program for you and help address balance or strength challenges you may be facing.
- Depending on your health considerations, good exercise choices can include walking and swimming or other aquatic workouts. For hiking and even everyday walks, you can also consider trekking poles.
- Exercises including gentle yoga and tai-chi can help improve strength, balance, coordination and flexibility.
- Taking a class at a fitness center can give you the opportunity to socialize while also exercising under the guidance of an instructor, who can help ensure you’re staying safe and using proper form.
- Select proper footwear.
- Choose well-fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with non-skid soles.
- Avoid walking around your home in stocking feet.
- You may even designate a pair of athletic shoes for indoor use only.
- Safety-proof your home.
- Safely secure area rugs using double-sided tape, or omit them altogether.
- Remove obstacles such as boxes, cords and coffee tables.
- Promptly repair loose floorboards or carpet that sticks up.
- Use non-slip mats in your tub or shower.
- Make sure your living space is well-illuminated so you can see easily.
- Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
- Use assistive and safety devices. ThedaCare At Home offers assistive and safety devices of all kinds, as well as the expert guidance of professionals who can help you choose products that meet your individual needs.
- Depending on your needs, your health care provider may recommend using a cane or walker.
- Consider also adding:
- Handrails for both sides of stairways
- Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps
- A raised toilet seat or one with armrests
- Grab bars for the shower or tub
- A seat for the shower or tub
- A handheld shower nozzle for bathing while sitting
Promoting Peace of Mind
“Remaining active and social is crucial to health and well-being as you age,” Sexton says. “Fear of falling shouldn’t get in the way of that. Your doctor and their team are here to help ensure you’re taking all the steps you can to prevent falls.”
Concerned about falls?
Schedule with your primary care provider or a physical therapist using MyThedaCare.
