September 23-27, 2024 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Week. The week is a nationwide observance with state coalitions and partners to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling.
We have a national average of one out of every four adults aged 65 or higher falling every year. Most don’t report their falls to their doctor.
A leading cause of emergency room visits, falls can range from simply being embarrassing, to life changing in terms of impaired mobility or traumatic brain injury, to death. In the U.S, every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall.
The good news is most falls are preventable. The key is to be proactive; the payoff is huge.
Our friends at Region IV Area Agency on Aging are here to help with balance classes, a private online falls free checkup questionnaire, and links to nationally proven tips on falls prevention. Check it out: https://areaagencyonaging.org/falls-prevention/
Proven tips for prevention include finding a good balance and exercise program such as clinically proven Matter of Balance classes and Tai Chi. Talk to your health provider to gauge your risk of falling and review your medications for possible impact on balance. Keep your home safe by removing tripping hazards, increased lighting, including strategic nightlights, adding railings for all steps, including the front porch and garage, and adding grab bars in all bathrooms. Substituting grab bars for towel bars works well. Many styles are available.
Have your eyesight and hearing checked. Don’t wait thinking, “I’m not that bad yet”. Per the American Geriatric Society, people with hearing loss are nearly three times as likely to fall compared to those with normal hearing, but wearing a hearing aid reduces the risk of falling by 50%.
Concerned about others falling and want to help?? Area Agency on Aging (AAA) runs clinically proven Matter of Balance classes throughout southwest Michigan. While all are currently full, keep checking the Classes section of the website as classes are added frequently.
You can help by taking advantage of a unique opportunity offered by AAA to become a trained Matter of Balance Volunteer Coach.
There’s a 2-day Volunteer Coach training coming up October 22 & 24 from 1:00-5:00 in the afternoon at the AAA offices, 2900 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph. Volunteers need to have: 1) ability to lead low to moderate level exercise, 2) good communication and interpersonal skills, and 3) enthusiasm, dependability and a willingness to lead small groups of older adults.
You’re needed and can be part of the solution, directly improving personal safety. Interested individuals should contact Julie Schwarz at (269) 982-7759 or julieschwarz@areaagencyonaging.org. Volunteers are reimbursed for travel and paid a small stipend.
Inspire yourself while helping others to stay proactive. You won’t regret it.
Lynn Kellogg is former CEO of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800-654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. The Generations column appears each weekend in The Herald-Palladium.