105. Replay: A Conversation About Fall Prevention
One in 3 adults aged 65 and older fall each year, and less than half speak to their doctor about it.
It’s a distressing situation that can cause broken bones and a hospital trip, so it’s worth taking seriously. Unfortunately, many worry about losing their independence if they mention this mishap. There are many reasons falls can happen - and, thankfully, there are countless ways to help prevent this too-common scenario.
In this episode, Lori discusses fall prevention with Jacque Archer, who has 30 years’ experience in the medical field and has spent 11 helping families with their senior parents and any accompanying challenges. She shares important statistics around falls in the senior citizen community and where / how they most often occur.
In addition to offering the 4 R’s for your home (reorganize, remodel, rearrange, remove), she divulges personal habits to help keep you physically strong and mentally aware.
Takeaways from this episode:
- Evaluate your environment and make it safe. For instance, 75% of senior falls happen in the bathroom, so it’s important to install rails or grab bars and opt for walk-in showers instead of bathtubs.
- Be sure to get your routine eye exams each year to make sure you’re able to see any obstacles in your path.
- Know and utilize any tools you may need, from reachers and shoehorns to walkers and canes (and make sure walkers and canes are fitted properly to prevent any aches and pains).
- Talk with your doctor about physical therapy to maintain flexibility, core strength and balance - and consider incorporating ways to stay active into your everyday life to stay strong.
- When you have 2 or more health problems, you increase your risk of falling by 30%, so be sure to understand your medication’s side effects and interactions.
- Staying mentally sharp is just as important as staying active, so you’re constantly evaluating and aware of your environment.
Topics discussed:
- Senior fall prevention
- Senior physical therapy
- Staying active in old age
- Walkers and canes
- Making your home senior friendly
- Independent living
- Senior mobility
Resources mentioned in this episode:
