When thinking about falling, it can be helpful to consider the process of walking. We are not born walking and it is perfected only after a LOT of practice. Now let’s throw a wrench or two into the process – gravity and aging! Both are going to happen, and as we age, many factors will affect our walking. Think about your walking 20 years ago vs now. Is there a difference? Likely there is, and many potential reasons why.
Health conditions and medications may affect not only our balance, but also our ability to walk comfortably. Health conditions like arthritis or neuropathy may cause some pain. Our reflexes also change as we age. This means that if someone begins to trip when they are young, recovering and avoiding a fall may happen quickly. As we age, our ability to act quickly naturally diminishes. Muscle strength also naturally diminishes as we age, particularly if we do not have a good physical activity regimen. Eyesight can play a big factor as well. Not only can eyesight change as we age, but things like glare and adjusting to changes in light may be more difficult as we age.
Now for another wrench – a changing brain! Some brain changes are a natural part of aging, but when someone is living with a type of dementia or brain injury, there are some potentially big changes going on. Our brain is the powerhouse that processes all the information our senses come across. If our brain is changing, it makes sense that our senses may not react like they used to, especially when we have a brain disease or injury. In fact, people living with a type of dementia have a greater risk of falling. What can we do? Luckily, plenty! Here are a few things that may help reduce falls:
Physical Activity
Always consult a physician before starting any physical activity, but the CDC recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity 5 days a week. Additional strength training can also be helpful.
Plenty of Rest & Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
This helps keep our overall body in top shape, which in turn will help us avoid falls.
Regular Check Ups
See your physician and be sure to get recommended check ups, prevention is key. You can also ask your physician about any medications that may potentially increase your fall risk.
Look at Your Surroundings
A 2022 Wisconsin Emergency Management System and Falls Report noted that first responders in Wisconsin responded to over 74,000 more falls at private residences (i.e. someone’s home) than they did for falls on roadways or sidewalks. Look closely around your home for potential fall risks. Utilizing a fall reduction checklist or having an agency come in and do a safety evaluation can help have an outsider’s perspective. The Brown County ADRC can help you identify resources for these.
If you or a loved one is living with a brain disease or injury, preventing falls in the home is even more important! With these types of conditions, our brain doesn’t always process the environment like it used to. A pattern on a carpet may suddenly look confusing or a shiny surface may appear wet. Make things easier on your brain by preventing a fall before it happens!
Sources: alz.org – Caregiver Tips and Tools, Minimizing Falls
dhs.wisconsin.gov – Wisconsin EMS and Falls Report 2022
