Stay Safe, Stay Independent
Each year, 14 million older Americans experience falls — 1 in 4 people aged 65 and up. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults, and falling can seriously impact an individual’s quality of life. There is good news, however: Many falls are preventable and you can reduce your risk by learning to control falls.
As we head into September, which is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to assess your risk and take steps to prevent falls. Mystic Valley Elder Services can help you with this goal. Through our Healthy Aging Program, we offer a course called A Matter of Balance, which is evidence-based and widely implemented across the U.S.
Studies show that A Matter of Balance reduces falls, enhances mobility, diminishes fear of falling and improves participants’ ability to manage falls safely. Led by trained coaches, the course is hands-on and interactive. Visit www.mves.org/healthy-aging-programs to learn more or call 781-324-7705.
By making small changes to their homes and routines, older adults can maintain independence, confidence and quality of life. Below are a few tips to help you get started.
You can also visit www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup to take the Falls Free CheckUp offered by the National Council on Aging. This is a useful tool for understanding your risk and how to reduce it, personalized for your needs.
• Stay active: Gentle exercises like walking and yoga improve balance, strength and flexibility. Tai chi is also excellent for balance and flexibility, and it’s another program offered at no cost by MVES.
• Check your vision and hearing: Regular exams help detect changes that could affect balance.
• Review medications and medical diagnoses: Some prescriptions and combinations of medications may cause dizziness, and some health conditions contribute to balance problems or incidents of light-headedness. Talk with your doctor about these risk factors.
• Eliminate hazards from the home: Remove loose rugs, add grab bars in bathrooms and ensure hallways are well-lit. If you spend time frequently in another home, such as a family member or friend, ask them to consider factors like lighting and rug placement.
• Choose supportive footwear: Choose shoes with good traction and avoid walking in socks or slippers without grips.
Too often, there is a misconception that falls are “normal” or an inevitable part of aging — they don’t have to be. Falls Prevention Awareness Month reminds us to take a proactive approach to falls. Start now by assessing your environment and adopting prevention strategies, so you can reduce the risks and continue to live safely at home.