Although a tumble during childhood might only lead to a scraped knee (and minor embarrassment), the fear of falling takes on a whole new meaning as we grow older because the stakes are higher.
Age-related changes make older adults already vulnerable to injuries, fractures, and longer recovery periods, but several factors can increase their risk of falling, such as:
- Chronic health conditions
- At-home hazards
- Lifestyle and behavioral choices
Help your loved one build confidence through reassurance, gentle encouragement, and involvement in activities that make them feel strong and independent.
How the Body Changes with Age
Aging is a gradual transformation that brings lots of physical changes.
Muscles naturally weaken over time, meaning they may not catch the body during a stumble as swiftly as they once did. Lower bone density also increases the likelihood of a fracture, instead of just a tear in your jeans, after a fall.
Our vision also becomes less sharp. Age-related changes like cataracts or reduced low-vision can make it harder for older adults to notice hazards like uneven floors or poorly-lit stairs.
Combining these changes explains why older adults are more susceptible to falls and why healing takes longer.
Why Do Falls Happen? Risk Factors for Older Adults
Falls rarely happen because of one isolated reason. Recognizing these risks can help you better support your loved one’s safety and preserve their physical and emotional well-being.
Health Conditions
On top of physical age-related changes in the body, chronic health conditions contribute to this risk:
- Arthritis and joint pain can limit mobility, cause muscle stiffness, and make movement unsteady.
- Diabetes might cause nerve damage in the feet, leading to numbness or difficulty maintaining balance.
- Low blood pressure or taking medications that cause dizziness can lead to fainting or sudden loss of balance.
- Neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease or dementia can impair coordination and cognitive awareness of physical risks.
- Vulnerable mental health, like anxiety about falling, can lead to hypervigilance or excessive fear, deterring older adults from physical activity.
Environmental Hazards
Hazards within the home directly interact with physical changes in the body’s strength and overall responsiveness, contributing to the risk of falls:
- Loose rugs, cluttered hallways, or wires: These create uneven surfaces that can easily catch the foot or disrupt balance, especially for someone who may already have lower mobility or difficulty lifting their feet because of arthritis or muscle weakness.
- Poor lighting: Dim lighting further reduces visibility. Staircases or hallways with dull lighting can make it challenging to see hazards like an object lying on the ground or missing a step.
- Slippery surfaces: Wet, soapy floors make bathrooms a high-risk area for falls. Without proper support, it can be hard for older adults to steady themselves after walking over smooth, wet floors.
Lifestyle & Behavioral Choices
We all make risky choices from time to time, but certain ones are much more dicey for older adults:
- Wearing ill-fitting, loose, or shoes that lack proper grip and support can cause instability, especially on uneven surfaces.
- Overexertion by carrying heavy items, moving furniture, or reaching for something on the top or the low shelf overstrains the body and compromises balance.
- Rushing or moving too quickly, like running to answer the phone or open the door, can result in poor footing.
Strategies for Fall Prevention
Luckily, there are effective and simple safety measures you can take to reduce your loved one’s risk of falls. Incorporating these tips creates a safer, more comfortable living space for your loved one, encouraging them to carry out their daily tasks while remaining independent.
Encourage Regular Physical Activity
We all benefit from regular physical activity, especially older adults, who should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly!
Staying active helps improve strength, balance, coordination, and maintains bone density. Working out doesn’t have to be strenuous, just consistent.
This is a great opportunity to encourage your loved one to explore group fitness classes. They might find a new form of movement they enjoy, or make a new friend, supporting physical, emotional, and cognitive health all at once.
Redecorate Their Living Space
It may not look as glamorous as it sounds, but simple changes in your loved one’s home can prevent many common hazards:
- Install grab bars in bathrooms and along staircases.
- Add non-slip mats in high-risk areas, like the kitchen and shower.
- Always keep hallways, stairs, and the bedroom brightly lit with motion-sensor night lights if needed.
- Arrange furniture to create clear, clutter-free pathways, secure rugs to the floor with double-sided tape, and keep the floor free of loose cable wires.
Consider Mobility Aids
Mobility aids like walkers or canes can offer much-needed stability and extra support, especially if your loved one struggles with balance or mobility.
They might require some getting used to, but once your loved one has their footing, these devices can offer a mighty confidence boost, allowing them to maintain their independence as they go about their daily tasks with greater ease.
Schedule Regular Health Check-ups
Staying on top of your loved one’s health includes accessing preventative care options, like annual physical exams.
These visits can help your loved one’s healthcare team proactively address and manage any concerns that might contribute to their risk of falls:
- Assessing their vision and eye health, updating prescription glasses if necessary, or treating conditions like cataracts.
- Monitoring medications for side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.
- Assessing for conditions like arthritis or neuropathy that may impair movement
How Professional Support Keeps Your Loved One Safe
Falls are a major concern for older adults, but you can make a difference by implementing effective prevention strategies and balancing their independence with the right support.
Exploring assisted living options for your loved one goes a step further by offering compassionate care that prioritizes safety, promotes health, and allows residents to live life to the fullest.
Connect with our All American Assisted Living at Coram team to schedule a tour of our assisted living community.
