Protecting Yourself from Outdoor Falls

Falling outside may actually represent a different syndrome that affects relatively younger and healthier seniors, unlike what we usually think of for those who fall indoors.
Why is it important to care about falls in older persons?
•They are common: Every year 1 out of 3 older adults over 65 falls, and 50% of falls occur outdoors
•Complications from falls are the number one cause of death from injury in people over 65 (e.g., broken bones, head injuries).
•People who fall are more likely to end up in nursing homes.
•Can lead to lack of self-confidence in walking ability (fear of falling)
What is different about indoor vs. outdoor falls?
•Recent studies show that people who fall outdoors are different from people who fall indoors.
•Outdoor fallers: younger, male, relatively physically active and healthy
•Indoor fallers: older, female, in relatively poor health
What are the major causes of falls?
•Rarely due to a single cause, but rather from a buildup of problems in many areas
•Medication side effects
•Environmental hazards (such as poor lighting, clutter, debris, slippery or uneven surfaces)
•Weak muscles, unstable balance, vision or hearing problems
•Dizzyness, dehydration, low vitamin D levels, and other medical conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, dementia, arthritis)
How can I tell if I am at risk for falling?
•You have already experienced a fall in the past year, or you are afraid of falling
•You have difficulty getting out of a chair without using your hands (a sign of muscle weakness)
•You do not get much sun or eat much dairy, or have been told you have low vitamin D levels or osteoporosis
•You get dizzy when you stand up
•You have to hold on to something when you walk
•You take 4 or more medications a day
•You have trouble reaching overhead or picking up objects from the floor
•You take blood pressure medications, water pills, sleeping pills, or anti-depressants
What can I do to decrease my chances of falling?
•Report every fall (what you were doing, how you felt right before, and whether you passed out)
•Get a "falls check-up," including vision, strength, balance, and gait evaluation
•Evaluate your entire medication list, including supplements and over-the-counter
•Treat health problems that can lead to falls (blood pressure, heart problems, vision)
•Stand up slowly
•Use your cane or walker as directed
•Reduce outdoor hazards (repair uneven surfaces, install handrails, remove debris, install ramps, paint curbs)
•Consider physical and occupational therapy for balance training
•Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong
•Get enough vitamin D
Where can I go for more information?
•The American Geriatrics Society Foundation for Health in Aging: www.healthinaging.org
•Preventing Falls Among Seniors: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control. www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/spotlit...

[@55communityguide]

Stay anti-fragile!