A fall can have serious consequences
especially for an older adult. The
National Council on Aging cites statistics showing “one in four Americans
65 years or older falls each year, every 11 seconds, an
older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an
older adult dies from a fall.” They add
that falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of
nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
Loss of balance in seniors can be
caused from many things including inner ear problems such as vertigo, failing
eyesight, numbness in feet and legs, arthritis, chronic diseases (Parkinson’s,
Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis), medications and heart problems. A condition called orthostatic hypotension,
which is a drop in blood pressure, can also result in feelings of dizziness,
light headedness, or feeling faint and lead to falls.
To keep your muscles strong and help
prevent falls, you need to keep moving, and the best way to improve mobility
and balance is through training exercises.
Participating in twice-weekly programs for aerobic, balance, flexibility
and resistance/strength training can increase your ability to walk and allow
you to continue exercising more over the long term.
You can also lessen your risk of
falling by practicing balance-training exercises throughout the day. One example is to place your hand on the
kitchen counter and balance on one foot and then the other, then if you feel
comfortable, remove your hand and try again. Another at-home exercise is to stand behind a
sturdy chair and grip it for balance while lifting one leg directly behind you
without bending your knee or pointing your toes, then switch to the other
leg. You can also do side leg raises in
much the same way but extend your leg to the side keeping your back straight,
and your toes pointing forward.
Other good exercises include walking. If fear of falling is keeping you from
moving, take a walk with a buddy. At MorningStar
at Arrowhead, we encourage residents to join our
MorningStar Steppers and walk with a buddy!
Please visit our website to learn more about our assisted
living and memory care community.
MorningStar at Arrowhead represents
the finest in senior living with our unique mission statement “to honor, to
serve, to invest.” Built on a foundation
of honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to
serve, we provide a true home for our residents. Please contact us to schedule a visit to
experience firsthand the area’s best senior living in the Glendale AZ area.
Source: ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/
healthinaging.org/aging-and-health-a-to-z/topic:balance-problems/info:causes-and-symptoms/
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