Why do we fall? - Fall Prevention Series 1/5



Falling is one of the biggest fears that most people have as they age.  We all have friends and family with terrible stories about falls stepping up to a curb, down the stairs or getting out of the tub.  One out of three seniors fall at least once a year and if you fall once you are twice as likely to fall again.  Credit Valley Hospital in Mississauga note that in Ontario:

•  Every 30 minutes one senior is admitted to hospital due to a fall
• 90% of hip fractures are due to a fall
• 40% of nursing home admissions are because of a fall
• Falls are the leading cause of death for persons over 80

There are 10 main risk factors related to falling

• Risk Taking: For example changing a light-bulb on a wobbly stool
• Balance: Poor balance due to muscle weakness, loss of vision and changes in the inner ear
• Nutrition: Not eating foods with the right amount of calories and nutrients
• Footwear: Shoes with poor support (for example flip flops)
• Vision: Loss of vision or not having regular eye exams
• Dizziness: This could be due to interactions with medications, low blood pressure or inadequate nutrition
•  Depression: Can result in less activity which causes decreased strength and balance
• Leg Strength: In week two in this fall prevention blog series I will share an exercise program with the best leg exercises to prevent falls
• Attention:  Not focusing while walking can cause people not to notice cracks in the sidewalk, curbs or icy patches on the road
• Home and Bathroom Safety: Small changes to the home including things like getting rid of curling area rugs and adding grab bars in the bathroom can significantly decrease your risk of falling.  In the last week of this fall prevention series is about fall proofing your home.
• Read through the 10 main risk factors again and notice how many of them are preventable.  By how we live our lives including eating well, exercising, staying focused on the task at hand and minimizing our risk taking we can prevent a fall before it happens.

If you have questions or would like a Vintage Fitness 50+ fitness expert to come to your home and develop a fall prevention exercise program drop me a note erin@vintagefitness.ca.

Good Luck!

Erin

Vintage Fitness & Spirit50

Phone: 416-951-7978

Vintage Fitness is an in home personal training company in Toronto, Canada.  We specialize in energizing the lives of people over 50 with exercise. 

Spirit50 is an On-line personal training with an expert in 50+ fitness.  Inspiring movement for life.