The autumnal equinox this past Thursday didn't just ring in a new season, it also served as National Falls Prevention Awareness Day.
"People generally think falls are a normal part of aging, but that's not true," said Lisa Howard with Legacy Link. "The good news really is that falls are preventable."
Falls are the leading cause of fractures, hospital admissions for trauma and injury deaths among older adults. Falling is also the most common cause of adult traumatic brain injuries.
Howard said keeping up with your health, including maintaining physical activity, is important to preventing falls at any age.
"Just the idea of when you're watching TV, just move your legs around, just doing some simple exercises, rotating your feet, getting your ankles more flexible, those are good things for balance," Howard said.
"Some other things you can do to prevent falls is going to get your annual physicals and eye exams and hearing checks. Keep your medicines up to date, make sure your medicines are clearly labeled and stored in well-lit areas so you can take them correctly. And, knowing what the side effects are."
Howard said a common misconception is that falls only occur outside of your home, but, the majority of falls occur at home during routine activity. And, she said those who fear falling will often change their habits, including staying home, to avoid potential falls. She suggests getting out and getting active with a fitness course specifically for seniors.
The Northeast Georgia Area Agency on Aging offers a workshop called "A Matter of Balance" that helps increase activity levels.
"It's for anyone who has fallen before, or has restricted activities out of a fear of falling. It's a free class - the next one begins November 1," Howard said.
Legacy Link also offers a Tai Chi exercise class for $25. Howard said the senior center also offers different courses for exercise and social interaction.
Lastly, checking your home for hazards, like unsecured rugs, clutter, and avoid risky behaviors , like standing on chairs to retrieve items or wearing ill-fitting or slippery footwear, can help reduce the risk of falling at home.
