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News Releases
Senior Fall Prevention
For those over the age of 65, a fall can permanently alter their lives--or even be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury and death for people 65 years of age and older. In fact, one out of four people with a fall-related hip fracture die within one year.
"Senior fall prevention efforts can reduce the risk of fractures and related complications," says Wendell Bronson, rheumatologist, Heartland Arthritis and Osteoporosis Center. "Fall prevention should be one of the components in the treatment plan of all people with osteoporosis."
Although these are sobering statistics, the good news is that many of these falls can be easily prevented. Here are some ways to avoid becoming victim of a fall:
Exercise
First, lessen your risk of a fall with regular exercise. It will improve your body strength, coordination and balance. Exercise can be as easy as walking. For those with arthritis, walking is a great way to start and stay more active.
Check Your Meds
Second, talk to your doctor about the prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently take. Ask if any of them may make you dizzy or sleepy, because these side effects can increase your risk of falling. As you age, your body can react differently to medication.
Get an Eye Exam
Next, get an annual eyes exam to check for glaucoma, cataracts or changes in your prescription. A change in vision could increase the risk of a fall.
Home Safety Check
Don't think just because you're in your home that you are safe, half of all falls occur in the home. The CDC list eight things you need to do to fall-proof your home:
- Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
- Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Have grab bars put next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
- Have handrails and lights on all staircases.
- Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
By making a few small changes in your life, you can stay safe and healthier, longer. To learn more information about decreasing the risk of falling, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/adultfalls.htm.
The Missouri Arthritis Research Rehabilitation and Training Center (MARRTC) was established in 1971 at the University of Missouri-Columbia Arthritis Center. MARRTC is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (H133B031120) and is the only federally funded arthritis rehabilitation research and training center in the country.
As part of the MU Health Communication Research Center (HCRC), MARRTC's mission is to become a national leader in the areas of disability management and communication, improve the quality of life and promote independent living among people who have arthritis and arthritic conditions. MARRTC's core message is "Disability is everyone's issue."
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