Debunking the Myths of Older Adults Falls

Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they’re not. Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk.

Exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Every year on the first day of fall, we celebrate National Falls Prevention Awareness Day to bring attention to this growing public health issue. To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths—and the reality—about older adult falls:

Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.

Reality: Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S.

Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.

Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.

Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.

Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.

Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.

Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.

Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.

Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.

Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.

Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it’s none of my business.

Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, finding a fall prevention program in the community, or setting up a vision exam.

Source: https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/preventing-falls-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/debunking-the-myths-of-older-adult-falls/

 

Fall Prevention and Home Safety Tips

Falling, slipping or tripping around the house is a serious concern for seniors.

Each year, more than one out of four adults age 65 and older falls. These falls cause moderate to severe injuries such as cuts, broken hips or head traumas in 20 to 30 percent of people. Injuries from falls can make it hard to get around or live independently, and they can increase the risk of early death.

Facts About Falls

• Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
• One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.
• Each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries.
• Over 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury.
• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
• Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls.
• The most common are fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
• Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.
• The chances of falling and of being seriously injured in a fall increase with age.
• Men are more likely than women to die from a fall. After taking age into account, the fall death rate is approximately 40% higher for men than for women.

* According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Five Steps to Prevent Falls

1. Remove Tripping Hazards    One in four older adults falls every year, and 75 percent of falls occur inside or just outside the home.  Make your home safer by removing tripping hazards like throw rugs and clutter.  Outside the home, repair uneven steps and broken concrete.
2. Increase Lighting    As you age, you need brighter lights to see well.  Use bulbs with higher lumens and add lighting to reduce shadows in hallways, stairs, and dark corners.
3. Install Handrails    Install handrails on both sides of all stairs, inside and outside the home.
4. Make Bathrooms Safer    Grab bars are a must in showers, tubs, and next to toilets.  Shower curtains are safer than shower glass.  Also, use non-slip mats in the bath and shower.
5. Reorganize Storage    Put things you use often in an accessible location that you can get without reaching overhead or having to use a step stool or ladder.