Strategies to Reduce the Likelihood of a Fall in Your Golden Years
Data collected by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) indicates that falls account for more than a third of all concussions or traumatic brain injuries, affecting more than a million Americans every year. Annually, nearly one of every 10 people over the age of 65 in the United States will visit an emergency room because of a fall-related head injury. What can you do, as an older person, or as the family member of a senior citizen, to minimize the risk of a concussion or TBI from a fall?
Measures You Can Take to Minimize the Risk of a Fall
Without a doubt, the single most important step you can take to alleviate the risk of a slip and fall is stay as physically active and fit as possible. There’s a natural tendency to become more sedentary as you age. The more sedentary you are, the less exercise your legs get. With less exercise, your legs will lose muscle tone and strength, key factors in maintaining your balance. You don’t have to go to a gym, though. Take a regular walk, climb some stairs or do a few squats while you watch a TV program.
There are, however, exercise regimens that can help you maintain muscle strength without putting you at risk of injury. Yoga can keep you limber while maintaining muscle tone. Resistance bands offer a safe way to build or maintain fitness.
It’s also important to take the right steps to make your home as “fall-proof” as possible:
- Make certain you have strong and accessible handrails on all stairs
- Ensure that you have adequate lighting, both inside and outside of your home
- Minimize clutter—too many falls result when people trip over items that haven’t been put away
- Repair any torn carpet, broken tile or other flooring defects
- Avoid the use of small area rugs—they move too easily
- Put non-skid mats or strips on surfaces that may get wet, including near any sinks
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.
