Practical Strategies for Falls Prevention

Do you feel unsteady on your feet? Have you ever passed up an opportunity to participate in an activity that you enjoy because you were afraid of falling? If so, you’re not alone.

According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), each year one in four Americans age 65 and older fall. Falls can cause injuries and as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every five falls’ results in a serious injury such as a head injury or broken bone.

As the statistics show, falls ARE common. However, falls are NOT normally a part of aging.

Unfortunately, falls can threaten the health and independence of older adults. There are a number of risk factors that can contribute to an individual’s risk of falling, such as:

  • Changes in vision or hearing

  • Some prescription and over-the-counter medications that may cause dizziness or

    drowsiness

  • Chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, and

    Parkinson’s

  • Having weakness in the lower body

  • Having balance and walking difficulties

 

Older adults who fear falling may decide to activities and events to prevent falls. However, by limited physical activity, the risk of further physical decline increases, which in turn means a greater risk for falling. Not only that, by forgoing social activities, older adults are also increasing risk for social isolation and depression.

Practical Strategies

Wondering what to do to help lower your risk of falling? Learning more about fall prevention, staying active, and improving your balance and strength are all practical strategies that you can take to help manage and avoid falls.

Consider physical activities such as walking, yoga, Tai Chi, and other types of balance exercises; as well as exercises using light weights or resistance bands for strength. Before starting any new activity or exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor.

Did you know? Most falls happen at home. It’s important to make changes within your home to reduce the risk of falling, such as:

  • Ensure there is good lighting so it is easy to see any obstacles that may be in the way. Install night lights where needed, such as in the bathroom, hallway, and bedroom.

  • Eliminate slip hazards such as throw rugs, and remove trip hazards such as foot stools, shoes and other items that are in your walking path.

  • Avoid walking on slippery surfaces such as wet floors or an icy walkway.

  • Use grab bars in the bathroom and use the handrail when going up and down stairs.

  • If you take medication, learn about the side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor if you

    experience dizziness or drowsiness from a medication.

Falls Prevention Presentations in September

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a national campaign observed on the first day of fall. As a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is offering two free virtual Fall Prevention presentations on September 13, 2023.

The first presentation will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. to register, use the following link,

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02fbca9128a&oseq =&c=&ch= The second will be held from 1-2:30 p.m. To register, use the following link,https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejv4z02vf4a4e57f&oseq= &c=&ch= . If you have any questions, contact OCES’ Healthy Living Program at 508-584-1561.

Additionally, OCES has a Healthy Living Program that offers “A Matter of Balance” virtual or in- person workshops that emphasize practical strategies to control and manage or avoid falls. To learn more about A Matter of Balance programs or for more information about fall prevention, contact OCES’ Healthy Living Program at 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

Sources:
National Council on Aging (NCOA) https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention and

https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/health/prevention/falls-prevention
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html

Go back

Recent News

December ARTICLE: Loss/Grief. How to stay busy, importance of not being alone at the holidays

The holidays can be a very stressful time of year. For some, it can be a time of reflection of “days gone by”, which can bring about feelings of loneliness or sadness. Older adults and individuals who are grieving may be particularly vulnerable to these feelings. The holidays may become overwhelming. As a result, some may withdraw and avoid social interaction. Although avoidance is the path of least resistance, it’s important to maintain social connections.

 

Full Article

OCES Kicks Off #GivingTuesday to Raise Funds for Elder Mental Health Services

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding communities, has kicked off a #GivingTuesday campaign to support the expansion of the agency’s behavioral health services.

Full Article

NOVEMBER ARTICLE: Caregiver Health is Important

November is National Family Caregivers Month. It’s a time to recognize and honor family caregivers – spouses, partners, adult children caring for parents, grandparents caring for grandchildren, relatives, friends and neighbors - who step up to support their loved ones in countless ways.

 

Full Article

Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Human Resources Manager

Colleen Berroa, a resident of Brockton, MA, has been appointed Human Resources Manager at Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns. OCES has offices in Brockton and Plymouth.

Full Article

Global Diversity Awareness Month

October is Global Diversity Awareness Month, a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion. According to National Today Global Diversity Awareness Month FAQS, it “is a reminder of the positive impact a diverse culture of people can have on society as a whole.”

Full Article

Old Colony Elder Services Honored as one of “Best Places to Work”

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency with offices in Brockton and Plymouth and proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has been honored as one of Cape & Plymouth Business Media 2023 Best Places to Work.

Full Article

OCES to Hold Fundraiser at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park On September 17

HANOVER AND PLYMOUTH, MA... Support a good cause with a day of fun at Starland in Hanover! Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) will host a fundraiser on September 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm – 6:00 p.m. at Starland Sportsplex and Fun Park at 637 Washington Street in Hanover. 

Full Article

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month. OCES to hold Virtual Falls Prevention Presentations on September 13th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… September is Falls Prevention Awareness month. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living, is offering two free virtual Falls Prevention presentations on September 13, 2023.

Full Article

"Buried in Treasures" Workshop Series Begins September 5th

BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA… Do you struggle with Hoarding Disorder or excessive clutter? Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, is offering a Buried in Treasures free in-person workshop series to offer support for individuals with hoarding tendencies. 

Full Article