Senior Beat
by Carol Higgins Taylor
Special to The Weekly
Summer is almost here which tends to make most of us more active. We want to take full
advantage of the beautiful weather while it lasts. Sometimes in our zeal to frolic in the sun, we
let caution take a back seat. Just because the snow and ice are gone is no reason to be more
relaxed about tripping, slipping and falling.
According to the National Institute of Health Senior Health, more than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. And the risk of falling, including fall-related problems, rises with age. Each year, more than 1.6 million seniors go to emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. Among older adults, falls are the number one cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma, loss of independence and injury deaths.
June being National Safety Month, it seemed the perfect time to offer some advice on avoiding injuries in the home.
The good news is that falls may be preventable. For example, some of the most common causes of falling are muscle weakness, medications that cause dizziness, improper or ill-fitting
shoes, impaired vision, slippery floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, clutter and uneven surfaces.
These are all things that can be changed or at least improved.
Blood pressure can be a culprit as well. Ask your doctor to check your blood pressure when lying down and when standing up. Do you ever feel dizzy when rising out of a chair?
Some seniors have normal or even increased blood pressure when they are sitting down but
experience a drop when they stand up. If this sounds familiar, tell your healthcare provider.
Vision is a biggie. My mother is much more stable and has better balance since she had cataract surgery. She was amazed at how much safer she felt because she could actually see the floor clearly as she was walking.
So have your eyes checked regularly and keep your glasses sparkling clean. I bought little wet wipes in foil pouches that I carry with me. They clean the glasses without leaving scratches.
The following tips probably seem like common sense, but glance around your home. There may be one or two things you could change to make your surroundings a little safer.
- Keep clutter, including electrical and extension cords, away from stairs and high traffic.
- Clean up a spill immediately lest you forget and later step in it.
- Look for hazards. A grandchild’s crayon or a magazine dropped on the floor can be dangerous. I stepped on an uneaten dog biscuit in my bare feet and went sailing into the wall. I then made a vow to always wear slippers or shoes in the house. I suggest you do the same.
- And speaking of pets, keep an eye on them, especially at feeding time when they can get under foot.
- Be particularly careful when walking outside. Avoid grassy patches if you can, which may be uneven. You can buy pretty canes to help you stay balanced for very little money. I actually saw one with purple flowers for about $20. It can give you a little more stability if you are headed to a picnic or a concert in the park.
- As we age we tend to collect more and more stuff. I am guilty of this myself. But try to arrange or even remove furniture so there is plenty of room for walking through rooms.
- Make sure outdoor areas are well lit and walkways are smooth and free from debris, including plant pots.
- Use non-slip adhesive strips or secure carpeting on stairs.
- Use non-skid appliques in the bath and shower.
- Install grab bars in the tub, shower and near the toilet. Home improvement stores now have decorative grab-bars that don’t look medical.
- And install railings on both sides of stairs to give you better balance.
So, as the National Safety Council says, falls can be preventable. We just have to make some adjustments and maybe alter our mindset. Why not spend part of June doing just that in honor of National Safety Month?
Carol Higgins Taylor is an advocate for seniors and owns Bryant Street Public Relations in
Bangor. Email her at seniorbeat@gmail.com.