Falls are not inevitable as we age

This issue of The Jewish Voice has many articles dedicated to health and wellness. All of us wish to live healthy, full lives. If we are to accomplish this goal, we must be mindful of all components necessary to remain as healthy as possible. Clearly, exercise, diet, sleep, meaningful relationships, work (paid or otherwise), a spiritual component and purpose are a few areas that contribute to our quality of life. 

One health hazard that detracts from quality of life is falls. Did you know that each year, more than 1.6 million older Americans go to emergency rooms for fall-related injuries?

Among older adults, falls are the number-one cause of fractures, loss of independence, hospital admissions for trauma, and death. More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year.

There are many reasons why people fall. It might be a sign of a new medical problem, such as diabetes, or a change in vision or blood pressure. It’s possible that your balance or gait is off, that a new medication affects your balance, or you might simply have an accident.

If you or your loved one falls, contact your doctor.

Often, especially after a fall, older individuals have a fear of falling. If so, he or she might curtail activities such as walking, shopping or taking part in social events. 

If you are worried about falling, talk with your doctor. Physical therapy can help improve your balance and walking, and help build your walking confidence. Ridding yourself of this fear of falling can help you stay active, maintain your physical health and prevent future falls.

Falls are not an inevitable part of life as we age – you can take action to prevent falling.

Lifeline RI, a personal emergency response system, is one of Jewish Family Service’s core programs. With the new auto-alert button, if a fall is detected, you can be assured that help is on the way.

BONNIE RYVICKER is a Jewish Family Service volunteer columnist. To learn more about Lifeline RI or other JFS programs, call 401-331-1244.