Did you know the No. 1 reason for emergency room visits and hospital admissions in Indiana is people falling?
Surprising, isn’t it?
While all should be mindful of taking a tumble, senior citizens should be particularly careful. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of three older adults (those aged 65 or older) falls each year, but less than half talk to their health care providers about it.
Also, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. These injuries also prove to be pricey. Falls cost older adults in the U.S. more than $80 billion a year.
While some factors make fall prevention difficult, there are ways to decrease the likelihood of a fall. Jill Castor, injury prevention coordinator for the Level 1 trauma center at the Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital and Bonita Lynn Beattie, vice president, Injury Prevention Lead, Falls Free Initiative for the Center for Healthy Aging, part of the National Council on Aging give their expertise on the common causes of falls, injuries and tips to decrease the chances of a fall or fall prevention.
Common reasons for falls
Muscle weakness
Trouble with balance and gait
Slower reflexes
Unsafe shoes
Dim lighting
Sensory issues with feet
Decreased vision and/or hearing
Wet floor
Low blood pressure or medications that cause dizziness
Injuries
Bruises
Cuts
Fractures of the hip, spine, leg, ankle, pelvis or hand
Brain hemorrhaging
Burns
Dehydration from falling and not being able to get up
Death
Tips to prevent a fall
Increase exercise activity
Participating in physical therapy
Get adequate calcium and vitamin D – from food and/or from supplements
Get an annual eye exam
Understand side effects of medications
Rearrange furniture
Remove clutter from walking area
Add grab bars in the shower and around the toilet
Put rails on both sides of stairs
Secure rugs
Put lights or non-slip strips on floor or steps
Make sure floor is always dry
Don’t walk alone on ice or snow
For information on the Indiana Fall Prevention Coalition, call Paul Kuzmic at (317) 234-6465 or Jill Castor at (317) 962-6101. For individual or community-based fall prevention guides, visit CDC.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/pubs.html.
Matter of Balance workshop
When: Every Tuesday
Time: 9 to 11 a.m.
Location: Benjamin Harrison YMCA, 5736 Lee Road.
As one ages, the chances and results of falling become much more severe. However, seniors can reduce their chances of falling and also learn to control falls if they do occur. Matter of Balance is a program designed with older people in mind that will teach them the skills needed to live a full, unrestricted life without fear of falling.
