Spill Proof

An article appeared in our local newspaper titled Spill Proof. The gist of the writeup was about another senior moment: falling. Falls account for the highest number of accidents occurring among seniors, often leading to impairment and even premature death.

Perhaps you already knew that. The article gave several incidents of actual falls which are sobering. Studies have been made as to why falls occur, and remedies for falling. When we moved into our new home, the garage floor was littered with empty boxes which had been broken down so they would lay flat. I entered the garage from the outside, tripped on a flattened box, and went flying (not literally) to the front of the garage trying to get my balance.

I almost made it but not quite as I tumbled headlong on top of several flattened boxes. There I lay, unhurt but embarrassed at my clumsiness. But then, had I been twenty or forty years younger, I probably would have been able to catch myself.

The article, bless its noble motive, was aimed to help us become more spill proof. Since a higher number of seniors fall than is desirable with often severe consequences, it seems appropriate to address this senior moment before we fall flat on our face.

Why people fall was suggested.

Medicine interaction (better believe it).
Weakness or poor flexibility.
Ill-fitting shoes (I have a brand new pair of slippers that are lethal on soft carpeting but have I junked them yet???). Tomorrow!
Impaired vision or hearing. Loss of sensation in feet.

Bladder problems (falls in the dark are far too common).
Unsteady gait patterns or poor endurance. Ill-fitting clothes.
Inadequate hydration, nutrition. Blood pressure problems. High-risk environments. Inner ear problems. Other balance problems.

The list could go on including woefully strung electrical wiring, throw rugs, stairways, clutter (like too many rocking chairs in a small area or visiting grandkids aftermath).

If more than one-third of adults over 65 fall every year, some of us are in good company (good?). So, what can we do about it? First off, take the above seriously. Next, realize that falling need not always be inevitable. An occasional accident, yes, but not habitually. If it occurs often, get some help rather than become paranoid, feeling vulnerable and helpless, depressed.

Realize that as we become older, we rely more on vision than balance. Ask your doctor about the mix of medications you take (and don't cheat). Toss shoes and slippers that make you stumble and secure all loose rugs. If your pet causes you to stumble, well, you decide. And if you fall, roll over onto your stomach and crawl toward a chair and/or a phone. If necessary, wear a pendant you can trigger for help.

Mobility is one of the greatest gifts seniors possess. Without it, life can become a whole new ballgame (if we dare use that metaphor). Believe it or not, there is help out there for better mobility since experts are more willing than ever to help prevent falling rather than picking up the pieces when we do fall. Let's lower those statistics, OK?