In 1996, the National Safety Council declared June as National Safety Month, with a special focus on preventing slips, trips, and falls, particularly for older Americans.
Because the aging process can affect vision, strength and balance, adults 65 and older are at elevated risk for falls. However, falls are not a natural part of aging and can be prevented. According to the CDC, an older adult dies from a fall every twenty minutes and many others are injured. You can identify simple steps that can make a big difference:
- Practice balance exercises in person or virtually at home. Join Poolesville Seniors for Tai Chi (recommended to improve balance) on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. or look into other exercises like these from the Go4Life program from the National Institutes for Health.
- Check your risk for falling. This self-assessment from CDC allows you to compute your fall risk. Be sure to share the results with your doctor.
Talk to Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor about your personal fall risk and what changes you can make to be safer. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your prescriptions and over-the-counter medications regularly, paying special attention to opioid painkillers, tranquilizers, sedatives and antidepressants. Some medicines and combinations of medicines can affect balance and cause drowsiness, dizziness or light-headedness. Vitamin D deficiency and sodium imbalances can increase fall risk.
During a regular exam, be sure your doctor checks for foot pain and proper footwear. Have your vision tested annually.
Walking aids, such as canes and walkers, can mean the difference between safely navigating your world or experiencing a fall. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the right device for you – including finding the proper fit.
Make Your Home Safer
While falls can occur anywhere, they most often occur at home. Be sure to:
- Clear your floor: Remove clutter, small furniture, pet gear, electrical cords, throw rugs and anything else that might cause someone to trip
- Arrange or remove furniture so there is plenty of room for walking.
- Put essential items where they are easy to reach.
- Add grab bars inside and outside of your bathtub or shower and next to the toilet.
- Put railings on both sides of the stairs, and make sure stairs and hallways have good lighting.
- Make sure outdoor areas are well lit and walkways are smooth and free of puddles and ice.
- Use a cane or walker if necessary.
While we all are aging every day, falls do not have to be a part of that process. Understanding fall risks is the first step to keeping our loved ones and ourselves safe. Use June National Safety Month as a talking point with friends and family to avoid falls.
Bolster your balance in Poolesville Seniors’ Tuesday Tai Chi class at 10:30 a.m. either in person at Speer Hall, or on Zoom.