Classes help seniors understand most falls are not inevitable
September is Healthy Aging Month, and Falls Prevention Awareness Week is this week.
In Tucson, the annual observance of Falls Prevention Awareness Week has morphed into a monthlong series of free events to spread the message to adults of all ages, family members and health care providers on ways to prevent slips, trips and falls that are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in people 65 and older, and one in four older adults have a fall each year.
The good news is that there are practical ways most falls can be prevented.
3 steps to prevent a fall
- Find a good balance and exercise program
For more than 10 years, Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) has offered A Matter of Balance, an evidence- based health program, developed at Boston University, for older adults.
A Matter of Balance offers a series of eight twohour classes held twice a week for four weeks. The classes emphasize practical strategies to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels.
The series is offered in a variety of locations in Tucson and Green Valley. The contribution is $30 per person for the eight classes, a workbook and materials.
- Talk to your health care provider. Ask for an assessment of your risk and share your history of recent falls. A checklist should include these topics:
- Exercise, because regular activity helps with balance, strength, flexibility and endurance; strong bones because getting checked for osteoporosis is important, as is discussing calcium and vitamin D treatment.
- Foot care, because pain, a burning sensation and numbness are warning signs; eye care because changes in vision can cause falls.
- Changing positions, because getting lightheaded when standing up should be mentioned, and changing positions slowly gives the person time to adjust. Also mention all medications, because some medicines can cause poor balance, weakness and dizziness, and taking multiple medications also increases the risk of falling.
- Keep your home safe
Making changes at home will also help reduce fall risks. Here are seven basic elements: lighting, flooring, bathrooms, stairs, furniture, assistive devices (canes, walking sticks and walkers) and clutter. Remove tripping hazards, wear shoes at home, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas.
When a person attends one of four free falls prevention events, the individual will get a copy of ‘Stay Independent,’ an evidence-based checklist to find and fix hazards in your home. Discuss your responses to the checklist with your doctor.
Falling can be prevented
Did you know that 1 in 4 people 65 years of age and older falls every year?
Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly — in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging.
Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence- based programs and community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be reduced substantially.
‘Our goal at the Southern Chapter of the Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition is to reduce the incidence of falls and fall injuries among older adults through education, awareness and outreach focused on three fall prevention essentials: physical activity, medication management and environment modification,’ said Rebekah McGee, vice president of population health initiatives at Pima Council on Aging, and cochair of the local coalition.
The Arizona Falls Prevention Coalition in Phoenix is designed to provide information, advice, helpful hints and tips to help prevent falls and fall injuries by older adults in Arizona. By raising awareness of the issue and by providing advice to older adults, the statewide coalition hopes to lower the occurrence of falls across our state.
Tucson
Tuesday, Sept. 20: Encompass Health, 1921 W. Hospital Dr., 3-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21: Ellie Towne/Flowing Wells Community Center, 1600 W. Ruthrauff Road, 10:30 a.m.-noon Tuesday, Sept. 27: Saguaro Christian Church, 8302 E. Broadway, 10:30 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 6: Armory Park Center, 220 S. Fifth Ave., 12:30 p.m.-2 p.m.
Green Valley
Wednesday, Sept. 28: Posada Life Community Center, 780 S. Park Centre Ave., 10:30–11:30 a.m.
More info
Events are free, but seating is limited. … For more info, call Jennie at PCOA Healthy Living Programs at 520305-3410 or visit healthypima.org/falls
Adina Wingate is the director of public relations for the Pima Council on Aging