Florida Injury Prevention Programs for Seniors (FLIPS) Senior Fall Prevention Senior Module

Flexibility To maximize health and independence you should be flexible in: – mind – body – home – lifestyle

The Facts— Are Falls Really A Problem? 1 in 3 seniors fall each year. Those who have fallen once have a greater chance of falling later. In 1999, ~21,000 seniors in Florida were hospitalized due to hip fractures from falls. Indirect costs: loss of independence and decreased quality of life.

Managing Health Risk Factors Medical Conditions – Diabetes – Arthritis – Osteoporosis – Stroke Medications – Cardiac medication – Sedatives – Antidepressants

Managing Health Risk Factors cont’d… Balance Sensory perception, i.e. vision, touch, etc. Memory and focus Dementia Fear of falling

Lifestyle Behaviors— Exercise & Nutrition 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week (2 miles of brisk walking or dancing) Eat the right foods and get plenty of calcium and vitamin D Drink plenty of water Avoid alcoholic beverages

Lifestyle Behaviors—Confident Attitude Downward Cycle of Fear – move slower/ avoid movements – decreased strength and endurance What YOU CAN do… – improve balance – ask for help or use helpful devices when necessary – stay active

Lifestyle Behaviors— Mental Activity Focus and distraction Dementia What YOU CAN do: – challenging activities such as bridge & chess – talk with your health care provider

You need good vision to help stabilize you. Your feet must be able to feel the ground. Exercise and strength training Appropriate footwear Talk to your doctor about medications that make you dizzy. Lifestyle Behaviors— Balance

Home Fall Hazards Clear walkways of: – cords and hoses – throw rugs – pets – clutter Increase lighting Add rails to stairways Need porch railings Clean wet floors

Home Fall Hazards— Bathroom Safety Grab bars around the tub and toilet Raised toilet seat Shower or tub chair Flexible hose for the shower Non-skid mat in tub

Public Fall Hazards Curbs No railings near steps Cracks in walkways Uneven walkways Slippery steps Obstacles along paths

Assistive Devices— Tools To Help You Canes Walkers Reachers Special step stools Portable seat lift Hip protectors

Taking Charge! Talk to your doctor about… – dizziness, especially with regards to medications. – chronic diseases such as Arthritis, Diabetes, and Osteoporosis. – starting an exercise program. See a Physical Therapist about… – improving your balance and strength. – walking with assistive devices like canes.

Taking Charge! cont’d… See an Occupational Therapist about… – home safety. – special needs or assistive device use like reachers. See an eye doctor for a yearly eye exam

Empower Yourself! Exercise Stay physically and mentally active Eat well Drink lots of water Do not let fear stop you!