As we age we’re more likely to fall, and are more vulnerable to sustaining serious injuries if we do fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults age 65 and older, and we’ve all had our share of slips on ice, trips over stairs, or falling while playing sports. Let’s learn how to fall gracefully, and teach this important skill to our loved ones.
Balance
Many falls cause head injuries or hip fractures which are serious injuries that can have fatal consequences.
To prevent falling it’s helpful to cultivate balance in our daily lives. Activities like tai chi and yoga can help strengthen the muscles that improve our balance.
For older adults or those who feel unsteady with everyday activities like sitting down and getting up out of a chair, it may be enough to practice those everyday activities to gain strength and confidence. From there, try standing on one leg. For a complete look at fall prevention for the elderly, check out these resources from Cleveland Clinic, AARP, and the CDC.
“As you age, you begin to lose muscle mass and strength, and your reaction time begins to slow as well. These are all things that affect your balance. As a result, you’re more susceptible to trips and falls.”
Why not practice?
With practice you build muscle memory so when you actually fall your body will remember what to do to keep you safe. You can start by laying out couch cushions on the floor. It’s pretty fun!
Come visit us at Parkside
Whether you’re recovering from a fall or just need a tune-up, we’re here to help. We tailor our care to your specific condition and tap into your body’s natural healing ability. Make an appointment, or if you have any questions, contact us.