Seniors
Aging Successfully
Preventing Injuries
Our Bodies. Ourselves
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Falls and Consequences
Falls can lead to serious
health problems beyond the possibility of broken
bone and soft tissue damage from the fall. For
example, of the 200,000 people who fell and broke
a hip in one year, 20% died within 6 months and
another 20% needed to move to a nursing home.
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Preventing injuries is one of the easiest (and most obvious)
ways to protect your health and ensure successful aging. Let’s
look at some of the major physical factors
that
can
help you
prevent
injury.
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Vision
Poor vision increases the risk of injury. Our eyesight
changes as we get older, often resulting in a weakened ability
to see things clearly. Poor night
vision, sensitivity to glare, and a diminished sense of depth
perception
are all part of normal aging. So get your vision
checked regularly. Make sure you you don't have conditions such
as glaucoma and cataracts; if you do, get them treated. If you
wear glasses, get them checked for effectiveness. Click here
for more information on
how
your vision works.
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Hearing
Hearing is another ability
that can diminish with age. Because hearing loss can
also make you
less aware of dangers (for example, sirens, cars honking,
smoke alarms),
it’s important to have your hearing
checked regularly and to properly maintain and use
hearing aids if you need them.
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Mental functioning
The ability to understand
and relate clearly to our environment is key to personal safety.
If a senior displays signs of dementia, family members and
caregivers need to help prevent accidents by ensuring that
the person lives in a safe place. Modern dementia care facilities
are designed
to allow freedom and safety for seniors at risk. Seniors living
at home require the same safety precautions.
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Health and medications
Some medications can cause drowsiness,
blurred vision, dizziness, and muscle relaxation, all
conditions
that can lead to injury. Always consult with the doctor about
possible side effects and interactions with over-the-counter
medications. It’s safer for seniors
to be awake and aware.
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Exercise
Exercises suitable for seniors,
even the frail elderly, can help develop better muscle
tone to improve balance and
gait.
