How to Help Senior Citizens Avoid Falls
By Sara Butler
As you grow older you run an increased risk of falling, and falling can lead to many health problems for older people. Injuries resulting from falls can leave a once active senior incapacitated and even disabled. If you are over the age of 60 you have over a 30 percent chance of falling over the course of a year – and the fear of falling can stop you from enjoying activities you love. Here’s what you need to know about falling as your grow older and how chiropractic may just be able to help!
Why Older People Fall
There are three main factors that contribute to an increased chance of suffering a fall as you age. They are:
- Normal aging – as you grow older there are very normal alterations in vision, posture, cognition, hearing, gait – and all of these changes increase the chance of falling.
- Disease - Any kind of cardiovascular condition, physiological disorders, neurological impairments or metabolic disorders can also influence your ability to function.
- The environment - Medications and environmental factors such as your physical surroundings can increase the risk of a fall.
What You Can Do
There are some things you can do in order to reduce your chances of suffering a fall and make your life safer:
- Find a chiropractor – That’s right! Chiropractic can help seniors to have greater mobility and less pain from arthritis, making moving around easier.
- Have regular check-ups – Make sure to have your vision and hearing checked on a regular basis.
- Check on your medication side effects – Talk with your doctor or a pharmacist about the side effects of medicines you may be taking that could contribute to a fall.
- Limit alcohol – If you’re already unsteady on your feet, alcohol will not help the situation! If you like to have a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage just make sure you’re responsible.
- Use caution – When you’re getting up from eating or just getting out of bed in the morning don’t rush yourself. Take your time so you can stay steady on your feet.
- Get good shoes – Make sure you wear supportive shoes with a flat, rubber sole. Also look for shoes that lace up!
- Exercise regularly – Nothing will help give you more support and flexibility than regular exercise. It will help to keep your muscles strong and offer stability for your body. Even if you haven’t exercised in years, it’s not too late to start!
If you have questions about other strategies you can employ to avoid falls, talk to your chiropractor during your next adjustment at The Joint Chiropractic.