September 22-28 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week
It is estimated that in the United States, one-third of seniors over the age of 65 and one-half of seniors over the age of 80 will fall each year, according to the New Jersey Department of Human Services, Division of Aging Services. An average of 194 individuals over the age of 60 are treated in New Jersey emergency rooms and hospitals daily. And, falls are the No. 1 cause of brain injury among older adults.
As you age, falls typically occur for one of five reasons:
- With age, a decrease in bone density through osteoporosis contributes to falls by making bones more porous, less resistant to stress, and more prone to fractures. Osteoporosis is a leading cause of fractures in older adults, especially among women.
- Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength and loss of bone mass.
- Age-related vision diseases can increase the risk of falling. Cataracts and glaucoma alter older people's depth perception and peripheral vision.
- Sedatives, anti-depressants and other medication can contribute to falls by reducing mental alertness, worsening balance.
- One-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental hazards in the home, such as area rugs and cords.
Prevention
Fear of falling can lead to depression, loss of mobility and loss of functional independence.
Yet falls often are preventable, with some planning and assessment. Following are suggestions from Barnabas Health for preventing falls in older adults:
- Exercise regularly to increase strength, flexibility and balance.
- Have eyes checked by a physician at least once a year.
- Use balance-aiding objects in the home, such as walkers, canes and grab bars.
- Wear the right footwear. The safest shoes fit your feet, have low heels, non-slip soles and lace- up, or are secured with fabric fasteners.
- Ask the doctor or pharmacist to review medicines, prescription and over-the-counter medications.
- Limit intake of alcohol as it may interact with medications.
About 75 percent of all falls happen at home. Make your home safer by removing fall hazards and improving lighting. Strategies include:
- Removing clutter like loose papers, boxes, wires and phone cords from paths and stairways.
- Making lights brighter, especially in stairways. Consider a nightlight in the bathroom, bedroom and hallways.
- Installing bath grips or grab bars in the tub or shower.
- Using non-skid liners under rugs. Or, better still, remove all throw rugs.
For information about balance assessment and falls prevention programs offered by Barnabas Health, call 1-888-724-7123.