As we age, our ability to maintain a sense of balance may begin to deteriorate. As a result of aging or disease the risk of falling increases. We are also more at risk of injury when we fall. These injuries can be as simple as bruising to as complex as serious fractures. Taking the time for a bit of planning can go a long way to limit the risk of falls and the damage when we do fall.
The surface of the floor is an important factor in the prevention of falls. Loose throw rugs, thick pile carpets and uneven floor boards all contribute to instability when walking. When this is combined with a poor sense of balance, reduced speed of reflexes and the use of a cane or walker, the risk of a fall climbs dramatically. As we age our bones become more brittle and the risk of a break rises as well.
In order to reduce the risk, remove or anchor throw rugs, replace the thick plush pile carpet with a lower pile (when you are redecorating in your 50’s) and fix any uneven floor boards or replace the flooring (again when you redecorate). Keeping this in mind when you are completing routine maintenance on the house removes the risk before it becomes a problem.
Exercise to maintain flexibility and limit bone loss will limit injury when and if you fall. Keeping a good tip on a cane or changing to a quad point cane or being sure that a walker is in good condition will also go a long way to preventing a fall.
No comments:
Post a Comment