Older Adults and Increasing Risk of Falls

With every year of life that passes, more changes occur. Some are drastic, some minor, and others build little by little. In many ways, however, age is a state of mind. This is why it can be so difficult to accept some of the physical changes of aging that may restrict our capabilities or hinder us.

Older people are at an increased risk of falling compared to younger demographics. And while the accidents themselves are of course dangerous, the recovery period can be just as harmful as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in four Americans age 65 or older experience a fall each year. This is no joke. Due to this, falls have become a leading cause of death and injury for this age range.

It is, of course, not the case that the moment you blow out the candles on your 65th birthday cake, you suddenly become more prone to falls. The issues of aging that contribute to senior falls build and grow slowly, over time. As you age, your body undergoes significant changes. Your bones gradually shrink, your cells begin to weaken, and your metabolism slows. The aging process can bring about changes in balance, muscle strength, vision, and coordination, all of which can greatly increase the risk of falling.

And these risks certainly have very real results. Every year, tens of millions of seniors will experience falling, and millions of those who fall will suffer injuries relating to their falls. And while you of course cannot stop the aging process, you can always take definitive steps to prevent such incidents from occurring.

Aside from seeing your regular medical practitioner and being honest with them about any changes your body is undergoing. Additionally, seeing specialists when your doctor recommends them, or you feel it is necessary, can help you avoid falling. Eye doctors, neurologists, physical therapists, and other specialists can all evaluate your risk factors for things related to their field that can increase your risk of falls. Many conditions related to age are progressive, so aggressively looking for warning signs and being proactive can help to slow their progression or prevent them entirely.

Another way to reduce the chance of suffering a fall is with an exercise routine. If you do not currently exercise, you should definitely start. Exercise strengthens your joints and improves your flexibility and range of motion. If you already have an exercise routine, make sure it includes strength training to help combat muscle loss, if it does not already. Balance based exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, or pilates are great with helping to prevent senior fall prevention as well.

Statistics show that most falls happen in the home, which makes sense, as that is where we spend most of our time, and also move about casually. The most common area of the home to experience a fall is the bathroom, as the combination of slick surfaces and water can create a dangerous environment. Making changes around the house, such as reducing clutter, improving lighting, and adding safety rails and nonslip surfaces to the bathroom, can greatly reduce the chance of falling.

To further reduce the risk of falls, it’s important to consider a more personalized approach to care. At Senior Helpers, we offer specialized services, such as our Fall Prevention Program, designed to assess your home environment, strength, and mobility, and provide guidance on how to improve them. Our trained caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, organizing living spaces to reduce clutter, and helping with exercises that enhance strength and balance. Call us today at 480-908-0976 to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one stay safe and independent at home.