1	Exercise Your Independence... Prevent Falls
2	National Falls Data About 1/3 of Americans 65 and over fall each year 60% of falls happen in the home In 2003, falls caused 40% of deaths due to injury in adults 65 and over
3	Hamilton County Data (2004) 14% of the population in Hamilton County is 65 or older In 2005 persons over 65 accounted for 84 percent of all fall deaths and 68 percent of all fall hospitalizations In 2004, falls were the third leading cause of deaths due to injury among adults ages 65 and older in Hamilton County
4	Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force Mission: To reduce falls and related injuries in senior adults through community collaboration 25 individuals from non-profit organizations, businesses and government agencies in Hamilton County
5	What Causes Falls? Falls involve the person and their environment What causes a fall in one person may not cause a fall in another Risk Factor- something that makes you more likely to experience a certain event Event is falling
6	Risk Factors for Falling Vision problems Poor mobility Balance problems Muscle weakness Diseases & Long Term Illnesses Parkinson’s Osteoporosis High/low blood pressure Medication side effects Environmental/Situational Hazards No handrails on stairs/in the bathroom Unsecured throw rugs Being in a hurry Fear of falling Clothing & Footwear
7	Vision Problems & Falls Vision problems associated with aging include cataracts, glaucoma, nerve cell damage & macular degeneration Some people’s eyes are less able to adapt to lighting changes Depth perception may change; stairs, patterned carpets & curbs can be troublesome
8	Vision/Lighting Tips to Prevent Falls Get regular eye exams & wear glasses with the correct prescription Increase lighting in your home Extra lamps Nightlights Working lights near steps & in each hallway
9	Poor Mobility Mobility is the ability to move easily Involves gait, posture, and balance Declines with age if muscles are not used Regular exercise is helps to prevent mobility problems Mobility can be restored in senior adults by starting an exercise program
10	Tips for Improving Mobility Talk to your doctor before you being exercising Exercise to increase strength, flexibility & balance Tai Chi Water aerobics Walking plan (build up to 30 minutes, most days of the week) Strength training/stretching classes (build up to 2 days a week)
11	Diseases and Long Term Illness Irregular heartbeat & blood pressure Osteoporosis Cancer that affects bones. Depression, Alzheimer's disease and senility. Arthritis, hip weakness or imbalance. Neurologic conditions, strokes, Parkinson's disease, MS Urinary and bladder dysfunction. Vision or hearing loss. Side effects of medicine.
12	Medications Falls are more likely to happen to people who are taking multiple medications Some medications cause dizziness, sedation, change blood pressure, or affect coordination Older people have more frequent medication side effects, such as dizziness, blurred vision & loss of balance
13	Medications Keep a list of all prescription, over-the-counter medications, dietary and herbal supplements you are taking Show the list to each doctor and pharmacist you visit. Alcohol interacts with many medications, often making side effects worse
14	Environmental Hazards Inside the home Outside the home
15	Avoiding Environmental Hazards Inside the Home Bathroom Bedroom Step stools instead of chairs Clutter in walkways Prepare food at the kitchen table Keep commonly used items in easy to reach places Structural hazards Poor stairway design Narrow hallways
16	Avoiding Environmental Hazards Outside the Home Use caution on slippery or uneven surfaces Trim shrubbery along the pathway to your home Crowded areas Beware of gravel/debris on the sidewalks Pets Proper lighting by the walkways and doors
17	Fear of Falling Very common among senior adults Reduces independence and mobility People who have fallen once are likely to be afraid of falling again Women and people with impaired vision are more likely to be afraid of falling
18	Other Things You Can Do to Reduce Your Risk of Falling Limit alcohol intake Use a walker or cane if you have trouble getting from place to place Get up from the bed and from sitting slowly
19	Clothing & Footwear Wear shorter pants/skirts bathrobes Wear supportive, rubber soled shoes with low heels Keep shoelaces tied/replace with Velcro closures Repair/replace shoes when necessary Dress near a bed or something you can grab onto to avoid falling
20	What to Ask your Doctor about Falling Do I need more tests to find the cause of my falling or balance problems? Are any of my medications making me unsteady? Do I need physical therapy or exercises to build up strength?
21	What to Ask your Doctor about Falling Should I be using a device to help support me, like a cane or walker? Do I need to make changes in my home like grab-bars or handrails? How do I get them installed? Should I see a specialist?
22	What to do When You Fall… Try to fall on your side or buttocks. Roll over naturally, turning your head in the direction of the roll.
23	What to do When You Fall… If you can, crawl to strong, stable furniture like a chair, and pull yourself up. Approach the chair from the front and put both hands on the seat
24	What to do When You Fall… Slowly begin to rise. Bend whichever knee is stronger, keep your other knee on the floor.
25	What to do When You Fall… Slowly twist around and sit in the chair.
26	Reminders... Stay up-to-date on eye exams and medical appointments Improve lighting in your home Engage in and enjoy daily activities and exercise Keep appropriate record of medications and talk to your doctor about side effects Reduce fear of falling by increased activity and mobility Keep a cordless phone near you at home