Understanding BALANCE & Fall Prevention

“Because I haven’t died yet!” When Cab Calloway was asked what his secret to longevity was (on the occasion of his 85th Birthday): “Because I haven’t died yet!”

This presentation can improve your life! Working together we can: Dramatically reduce your risk of falls and injury Improve your mood and add joy in a matter of days Begin a process to boost your confidence and peace of mind Help keep you INDEPENDENT!

Not necessarily TRUE!!! SUCCESSFUL AGING Much of what is attributed to aging is due to inactivity and/or chronic diseases related to inactivity To a large extent we have bought into the old tale that by aging we have a loss of functionality and independence. Not necessarily TRUE!!!

For EXAMPLE….. Take a look at Marjorie Newlin Can you guess her age in this photo?

She also did it because she wanted to be as independent as she could Marjorie Newlin “Miss Marj” started training at the age of 72! She did it for her CAT! She found it harder and harder to lift those bags of kitty litter in the market. She also did it because she wanted to be as independent as she could FOR AS LONG AS SHE COULD!

Fatal Falls happen more than you think! Did you know??? Falls are the #1 cause of accidental death among seniors Falls are frequently preventable DENIAL causes reluctance to stop falls

Why do we fall?

How common are FALLS? 1 of 3 adults over 65 will fall 50% of ALL adults over 80 2/3 will fall again Instant Response to a fall is critical to recovery

Hip Fractures Immediate Emergency Response will increase the chance of fracture recovery More than 30% of adults who fall will suffer a hip fracture After 50 the rate of hip fractures doubles every 5 years Only 38% will regain independent mobility Only 25% of hip fracture patients will make a full recovery Hip Fractures

Adults 75+ have the highest rate of TBI-related death

Immediate Emergency Response Reduces the anxiety and fear of falling Limits physical activity Limited physical activity leads to reduced mobility and increased weakness Significantly increases fall risk Can lead to depression and reduced quality of life Can cause further loss of function, feelings of helplessness and social isolation Immediate Emergency Response Reduces the anxiety and fear of falling

Consequences of fall related injuries Loss of Mobility Traumatic Brain Injury Rapidly Declining Health Hospitalization Elevated near term mortality rate Escalation to a nursing home Immediate Emergency Response will reduce the possibility of long term debilitation

Take Control of Your Health Here are 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall

Why do we want to keep you Independent longer? Because nursing homes are not where you belong Nursing homes are more than double the cost Abuses are regularly reported at nursing homes 60% of nursing home residents have NO VISITORS each year Nursing home residents are often restrained as fall prevention Cognitive and physical function and health rapidly declines there Because you live in a community with friends BECAUSE WE CARE! AND YOU DESERVE BETTER

Clutter causes falls! Schedule a home safety inspection today! If you are over 65 you’re at RISK! Take precautions…. There are numerous traps from cords, carpets, magazines and 24 categories of items that can cause falls Schedule a home safety inspection today!

Other Risks Poly-Pharmacy Vision Problems Taking Multiple medications Taking RX meds that are not yours Getting meds from different pharmacies Visual impairment elevates fall risks by 2X Depth perception loss causes falls Poor vision impedes balance awareness Reduced vision prevents you from avoiding hazards Vision challenges can be signs of other problems Vision Problems

Hearing affects Balance Other Risks Poly-Pharmacy Vision Problems Hearing affects Balance Balance depends on signals from 3 systems eyes – legs/torso- inner ear As many as 30% of deaf people have balance problems A 25 decibel hearing loss increases fall risk 3X Every 10 decibel loss increases fall risk 1.4X

Lack of physical activity The #1 Reason People FALL! leads to loss of physical function And don’t just DREAM about it!

Fall PREVENTION through education Home safety inspections SOLUTIONS Fall PREVENTION through education and awareness Home safety inspections Reduce impact of falls through physical activity Use affordable technology to summon instant help during emergencies

Has exercise become a dirty word? So…………. If we KNOW this, why aren’t more people active? Do we have it wrong? Has exercise become a dirty word?

What it is really about is Physical activity and Having FUN!!! Numerous Health Benefits: Increased health and disease benefits Bone, joint and Muscle strength Functionality and daily activity Mental health and quality of life Those who start the LATEST have the MOST to gain!

OPTIONS Put down the TV remote!!!! Walk Jog Golf Dance Stretch Swim Tennis Get out more! Put down the TV remote!!!! Park farther away

Health Happiness Security HELP Security

Thanks for your time and attention This is not THE END Hopefully, it is a new beginning!