Help, I have fallen and can’t get up! While most older people believe this scenario will never happen to them, the odds are likely that a fall will someday occur. 

Falls should not be considered a normal part of aging.  Yet, as we age, the risk for falls becomes common amongst older adults and is potentially overlooked as part of the aging process.  One-third of the older adult population over the age of 65 falls each year and the risk of falling increases proportionately with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls of older adults result in about 3 million emergency department visits, 950,000 hospitalizations and 32,000 deaths each year. 

It’s important to know that many falls and fall injuries are preventable.

“Every second of every day an older adult falls in our country,” says Debra Houry, MD, Director, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “We know that falls are preventable and not an inevitable part of aging.”

Risk of Falling

People with certain risk factors are at a higher risk of falling. As you get older, physical changes and health conditions make falls more likely. The more risk factors a person has can lead to an increased risk of falling. They include:

• Lower body weakness and loss of muscle strength which may result from a lack of physical activity or osteoporosis 
• Vitamin D or calcium deficiency
• Hypotension (low blood pressure) which may cause dizziness, blurred vision and tiredness
• Difficulties with walking and balancing that can contribute to a fear of falling
• Use of medications such as sedatives, blood pressure pills or antidepressants which may cause side effects that affect balance
• Vision problems
• Foot pain
• Fall hazards in the home such as cords, clutter or throw rugs that may cause tripping   

Fall Prevention Strategies

Many people, including elders, and even medical practitioners think that falls and increased fall risks in older adults is normal and acceptable as people age.  On the contrary, this is not normal and there is evidence available to show how exercise programs can decrease the risk for falls in older adults. 

Fall prevention programs have the power to reduce the risk and rate of falls for those who are at risk. Research from the CDC supports that exercise programs are the most effective intervention to manage fall risk.

Physical therapists and occupational therapists can help achieve optimal results through a structured, customized program of properly dosed progressive therapeutic exercise. You or your caregiver can ask your health care provider for a recommendation or referral to a physical therapist.

Components of a therapy-based fall prevention program include:

• A comprehensive baseline evaluation conducted by a physical therapist.
• A home safety and risk assessment performed by a clinician to make the home safer and help prevent injury. Recommendations for home safety such as clearing walkways and installing night lights, handrails, or grab bars to reduce the risk of a fall are also provided.
• Training and assistance tailored to the individual’s ability, taking into consideration the medications taken and the effect of those medications on fall risk.
• Skilled therapeutic guidance, including strength training, dynamic balance, and endurance training to prevent falls.
• Group geriatric classes such as Tai Chi, yoga or other exercise programs to help promote health and wellness.

Supervised exercise programs can improve one’s quality of life and promote healthy aging by preventing a fall that could lead to a serious injury, like a hip fracture or head wound.

Fall Risk Reduction by Pathway to Living'

Pathway to Living partners with FOX Rehabilitation to offer on-site physical and occupational therapy for residents at many of its independent living, assisted living and memory support communities. This convenient service is provided to reduce the risk of falls and prevent injury for the older adults who call our communities in Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Florida home and to give their loved ones’ peace of mind.