Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 18-22 and at the Y, we are here to help. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures and responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Below, the National Council on Aging shares 10 myths related to older adult falls.
Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.
Reality: Many people think, "It won't happen to me." But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S.
Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.
Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won't fall.
Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.
Myth 4: If I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.
Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can't be regained.
Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you've been a "couch potato" your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.
Myth 6: Taking medication doesn't increase my risk of falling.
Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medication
Myth 7: I don't need to get my vision checked every year.
Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase the risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.
Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.
Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.
Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.
Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family and anyone else who can help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.
Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parents, spouse, or other older adults if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it's none of my business.
Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, installing safety features like grab bars or walk-in bathtubs, joining a ForeverWell active group at the Y, https://www.ymcafoxcities.org/foreverwell, or setting up a vision exam.
After dispelling these myths, we want to remind you that we are here to help! Maintaining your strength and flexibility is crucial; staying active and keeping your muscles moving can help accomplish that. Our ForeverWell programs provide adults age 55+ with opportunities to stay active or initiate their fitness journey. We offer walking groups at various locations with different routes, including outdoor paths, and ways to keep you motivated. Stay active and feel your best with the Y!
If you like to enjoy nature, explore the Bruce B. Purdy Nature Preserve at the Apple Creek YMCA. Explore the trails or join an upcoming hike with our environmentalist, Shane, to learn all about the preserve. Or, if you want to learn about the fastest-growing sport in America, the Y offers Beginner Pickleball classes at several locations where you can go through drills that help you learn the fundamentals of the game for free. Adult swimming is also offered at the Appleton YMCA and the Neenah-Menasha YMCA. This is a great way to move your body with less physical demand.
For the upcoming dates and times for these programs, and for a list of other adult sports you can join at the Y, you can check out the ForeverWell Program Guide at https://www.ymcafoxcities.org/foreverwell.