3 months ago
As we get older, our bodies slow down, which makes falling a huge risk for seniors. The Centers for Disease Control says the death rates for seniors falling has jumped more than 55 % in the last decade. From 1993 to 2003, more than 13,000 adults died from falls, making it the leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 and older.
It's hard to imagine, but things like books, pets, or just a twist in your medication could cause big problems. The Medical Center is offering free risk assessments right now. It's a way to gauge how safe you are walking around everyday.
Merriettice Andrus says she didn't have any problems in her 40s, but she seemed to backpedal when she got into her 60s.
It concerned her because she had an Aunt that lived into her 80s but still had problems. "She had a fall and laid in her trailer helpless overnight with a broken hip, and that's my biggest fear," Andrus said.
Andrus never forgot that scary night her relative suffered through.
It's part of the reason she signed up to go through the paces in a risk assessment test, but Andrus has also experienced her legs going out from under her.
"I have a fear of going down the stairs. I always hang onto the rail, not that that's going to save me from a fall," she explained. "I fell down the same flight twice."
With that track record, her confidence level for walking down the street is a little shaky. Physical therapist Kathleen McKinney's seen lots of folks in the same position. She says this is serious stuff, and if you're not careful, a simple stumble can turn into a deadly situation.
"They are the leading cause of deaths for people over the age of 65," she said. "They are also the cause of traumatic brain injuries and the leading cause of hip fractures over the age of 65."
But aging doesn't have to come with the fear of falling. The CDC says if you follow a four-point checklist, your chances of taking a tumble will plummet. The number one thing you can do for yourself is get out and exercise. It will increase your strength and improve your balance.
Next, take a good look at your house. Remove things you can trip over like clothes and shoes from the floor. Put double-sided tape on your throw rugs, and move things you use everyday to eye-level in the cabinets so you don't have to reach up for them. Medication can become a menace, too.
McKinney says taking more than four throws up an immediate red flag. Have your doctor or pharmacist go over the side effects with you. As you age, certain combinations can make you drowsy or lightheaded. And finally, have your vision checked. You might have the wrong glasses, plus as the years pass by, eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts can pop up.
Andrus wobbled a bit on the skills test but overall, she came through with flying colors, only logging in a small to moderate risk level. It's good news, but she'll also keep in mind what she learned going through the tests.
"If I have a bad morning, I might train my brain to do stuff differently," Andrus said with confidence.
If you would like to take a free risk assessment you can call the Medical Center Golden Opportunities department at 478-757-7817. It takes about an hour to go through the paces and it won't cost you anything. If you're a high risk the therapists may want to sign you up for therapy. If your risk is pretty low you'll go home with a lot of knowledge and some exercises you can do in your living room.
