Falls are a major concern for older adults and those who care for them. Over 3 million older people visit the emergency room each year due to a fall, resulting in over $80 billion in medical costs. Falls are not only costly but also painful and can significantly impede one’s recovery and wellness. Among adults aged 65 and over, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death.
Despite these alarming statistics, there is good news: a lot can be done to prevent falls. Taking care of your health and ensuring that your home and surroundings are safe are crucial factors in fall prevention.
Maintaining good physical health is essential for building a strong foundation of support. Regular exercise is vital, with the CDC recommending that individuals over 65 get around 150 minutes of exercise per week.
Regular health check-ups, especially for vision and hearing, are important as they directly impact balance and stability. Loss of vision or hearing can result in the individual focusing more on compensating for these losses, leaving fewer mental resources available for maintaining balance. It’s also crucial to talk to your physician about all your medications and their potential side effects, as some medications can cause dizziness.
Adapting your home for safety is another key aspect of fall prevention. Keeping your living space clean, ensuring clutter and cords are removed from walkways, and installing handrails and grab bars in areas like the bathroom and stairs are all essential. Making items easily accessible can help prevent the need to reach and potentially lose balance. Proper lighting is also important to see the space around you and avoid tripping hazards.
To further raise awareness, the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing is organizing the 10th Annual Stand Up to Falling Down event on September 25th. The event will focus on the importance of maintaining strength and balance as we age to reduce the risk of falling. Educational sessions and fall assessments will be part of the event, with assessments taking place in the days following. Registration for the assessment will need to be done separately by calling (623) 471-9355.
Expert speakers at the event will cover preventative approaches and measures for falls. Our speakers include, Dr. Erin Richardson, an expert in occupational therapy and fall prevention for older adults; Dr. Sally B. Alcott, a physiatrist, focuses on neurological rehabilitation, including stroke, transplants, and cancer cases; and Dr. Makkeda Rubin-Deloney, a seasoned physical therapist with advanced training dedicated to helping seniors overcome physical limitations and improve mobility.
Falls can affect anyone at any age. To learn more about fall prevention, consider attending our Stand Up to Falling Down event. Register by visiting here: SunHealthWellness.org/standup.
