| RNS,
Nov. 03, Elderly Falls
1:29
http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2003/preventfalls.htm
Preventing falls one
step at a time
(Download
audio version)
Suggested
Lead: Approximately 30 percent to 40 percent of senior citizens
fall each year, which places falls as the leading cause of accidental
death among older adults in the United States. Although it is impossible
to prevent all falls, geriatric specialists from the Mobility Research
Laboratory at the University of Michigan Geriatrics Center suggest
both improving balance through exercise to avoid falls and employ
“fall-proofing” behaviors in and around the home to
reduce risks. Here is Erin Block with more.
TRT 1:29
SOQ
Falls are more
dangerous for older adults than younger adults because serious emotional
or physical injury can result from a single fall. Older adults become
scared of falling again or fractures and pain discourage them to
continue an active lifestyle, which usually results in a loss of
independence.
Accidental falls
and the paranoia that comes with them can be prevented through exercise
and balance and through simple changes in behaviors while away and
at home.
Dr. Neil Alexander,
(M.D.), director of the Mobility Research Laboratory at the University
of Michigan Geriatrics Center and associate professor of geriatric
medicine tells us
“To
decrease the likelihood of falls, we now know that exercise in
terms of balance exercise, is particularly important. And balance
exercises, not the kind that you just stand in one place, but
the kinds where you’re moving around called dynamic balance
exercises.”
Exercise, particularly
balance exercise, works to strengthen and sustain the older adult
during everyday activities. Balance exercises might provide the
strength the older adult needs in order to catch himself or herself
before falling completely.
And although
making the home safer and changing risky habits does not consistently
prevent falls, “fall-proofing” is still a positive step
to take in reducing the risk of accidents.
Alexander suggests
“There
are a number of precautions that you can take at home to reduce
your fall risk like removing scatter rugs, removing clutter. Watching
out for wires that are in the path of your walking. Try to make
sure that there’s adequate lighting throughout the house.”
With fall prevention
one can never be completely safe from accidents. Focus on doing
balance exercises and keep the environment as safe as possible.
But to reduce fall risk, stay active.
Erin Block,
U-M Health System News
|
Additional
PRMC Info
