UW Medicine invites community to fall prevention fairs
In 1967, when the first baby boomers were in their early 20s, the Beatles released their popular song “When I’m Sixty-Four.” For the young audience, the song’s title suggested a distant stage of their lives. Now, as they approach this stage, the good news is that 64 does not seem quite as old. In fact, while the lyrics describe a sedate elderly couple, this age group is focused today on staying active and independent.
Because falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospital admissions for Americans 65 and older, they are a major threat to independent living. Head injuries and bone fractures are especially serious. After a hip fracture, for example, about 20 percent of patients are unable to live on their own. Even if a fall does not result in hospitalization, fear of falling can lead to depression, hopelessness and loss of functional independence.
“Despite their serious impacts, falls are not a normal part of the aging process,” said Dr. Elizabeth Phelan, director of the Fall Prevention Clinic at Harborview Medical Center and a UW associate professor of medicine. “While some risk factors are more common as we get older, we can reduce the likelihood of falls with appropriate medical care and safety precautions.”
A comprehensive medical evaluation is recommended for older people considered at high risk for falling. This would include people who have required medical attention for a previous fall, people who have fallen more than once in the past year and people who have walking and/or balance problems.
Tips for fall prevention for older adults:
Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is the best way to improve balance, mobility and reaction time. Additional goals are to increase lower body strength and improve flexibility and endurance. Good choices include walking outside or indoors at malls, cycling, swimming, water aerobics and Tai Chi.
Have your health-care provider review your medicines. A number of medications can contribute to falls by causing dizziness and drowsiness. Doctors and pharmacists may be able to help reduce these side effects by prescribing lower doses or suggesting alternatives to the medications.
Have your vision checked. Since cataracts, age-related macular degeneration and other vision problems contribute to falls, older adults should have regular eye exams. They should be especially careful on stairs when adjusting to new glasses or multifocal lenses.
Make your home safer. Tips for home safety include removing tripping hazards, using non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors, installing grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on both sides of stairways, and improving lighting throughout the home. Older people should wear supportive shoes with a low heel and wide toe box. They should not walk barefoot or in socks.