Nov. 9, 2023 | Every year millions of older people, those 65 and older, will accidentally fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. And falling just once doubles your chances of falling again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 800,000 people are hospitalized each year because of a fall injury, usually to the head or hip. It’s important to remember that falls can be dangerous at any age. Babies and young children can get hurt falling off furniture or down the stairs. Older children may fall off playground equipment. For older adults, falls can be especially serious. They are at higher risk of falling. They are also more likely to fracture a bone when they fall, especially if they have osteoporosis. A broken bone, especially when it is in a hip, may even lead to disability and a loss of independence for older adults.

Nov. 9, 2023 | Falling is not a concern just for the elderly, falls can occur at any age. Balance problems, which can make you feel unsteady or disoriented, are just one of the common causes of falls. Some medications can make you feel dizzy, confused or slow. Vision problems, many of which can go undetected until a tragedy occurs, can lead to falls. Alcohol, even in moderation, can affect your balance and reflexes. Muscle weakness, especially in your legs, can make it harder for you to get up from a chair or keep your balance when walking on an uneven surface. Certain illnesses, such as low blood pressure, diabetes and neuropathy, have been known to cause people to fall. Slow reflexes, which can make it hard to keep your balance or to move out of the way of a hazard, put you at risk of falling. Tripping or slipping due to a loss of footing or traction can also cause falls. Fortunately, people of any age can make changes to lower their risk of falling.

Nov. 9, 2023 | If you feel like you are at risk of falling for whatever reason, the first thing you should consider is making an appointment with your doctor. To assess your risk and discuss fall prevention strategies, your physician may want to talk about any medications you are taking and any previous falls you might have had. Make a list of your prescription and non-prescription medications and supplements, or bring them with you to the appointment. Your doctor can review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. He or she may consider weaning you off medications that make you tired or affect your thinking, such as sedatives, antihistamines and some types of antidepressants. If you have fallen in the past, write down the details, including when, where and how you fell. Be prepared to discuss instances when you almost fell but were caught by someone or managed to grab hold of something just in time.

Nov. 9, 2023 | Physical activity can go a long way toward preventing a fall. With your doctor’s approval, consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi, a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful dance-like movements. These activities reduce the risk of falls by improving strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. If you avoid physical activity because you’re afraid it will make a fall more likely, tell your physician. He or she may recommend carefully monitored exercise programs or refer you to a physical therapist. The physical therapist can create a custom exercise program aimed at improving your balance, flexibility and muscle strength. And consider changing your footwear as part of your fall prevention plan. High heels, floppy slippers and shoes with slick soles can make you slip, stumble and fall. So can walking in your stocking feet. Instead, try wearing properly fitting, sturdy, flat shoes with non-skid soles.

Nov. 9, 2023 | If you or somebody in your family is at risk for taking a potentially dangerous fall, there are certain steps you can take to make a possible injury less likely. First, look around your home for fall hazards. Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways and move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas. Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower and consider using a bath seat, which allows you to sit while showering. Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping on objects that are hard to see. Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways and put a lamp within reach of your bed in case you need to get up in the middle of the night. It doesn’t hurt to have assistive devices to help a loved one maintain their balance. Handrails on both sides of stairways, non-slip treads on bare wood steps and grab bars for the shower or tub are all good ways to prevent a fall.