Author: McLaren Flint
National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 23-27. Since falls are the leading cause of injury in adults ages 65 and older, with 1 in 4 older adults reporting falls yearly, raising awareness is vital to help prevent them.
Many things can cause a fall. The National Institute on Aging states that factors such as our eyesight, hearing, and reflexes might not be as sharp as they were when we were younger and can lead to falls. Diabetes, heart disease, thyroid, and nerve, foot, or blood vessel issues can affect your balance. Some medicines can cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy, making you more likely to fall. Other causes include safety hazards in the home or community environment.
“There are many ways to reduce the risk of falling at home by making some safety modifications,” said Ahmed Baig, Director of Corporate Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy Services at McLaren Flint. “Keep entries and stairways clear, install handrails, apply non-skid materials to steps, and place a chair by the entrance of your home for rest or to remove shoes. Throughout the home, keep walkways clear of obstacles, keep areas well-lit, remove throw rugs, make sure carpets and flooring adhere well and lay smooth, keep commonly used items within reach, have light switches easily accessible, and wear supportive shoes with non-skid soles.”
Lifestyle changes can also be made to help prevent falls. These include strength, core, and balance exercises, regular physical activity, and home safety modifications.
“Exercises like squats, modified planks, sit-to-stand, and single-leg balance can all help strengthen your core to prevent falls,” said Baig. “Regular and consistent physical activity such as walking, stair climbing, and mild weight-bearing exercises can also be beneficial due to their ability to improve cardiovascular health, enhance muscle strength, and promote joint flexibility and good bone density.”
Consistent use of these strategies can substantially reduce the risk of falls and related injuries. However, it's crucial to consult with your physician or a physical therapist before initiating any new exercise program, particularly if you have existing health concerns or balance issues.
If you have difficulty walking or find that you are losing your balance more easily, there are ways to help. McLaren Flint offers physical therapy for balance, and vestibular rehabilitation to help with balance and to reduce your risk of falling. If you have a primary care physician, they can refer you to McLaren Flint Physical Therapy for treatment.
If you need a primary care physician, you can click here for a list of doctors at McLaren Flint who are accepting new patients.