“Fall Proof” Yourself in 4 Easy Steps
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted November 6, 2023
As we age a simple slip or stumble can turn serious fast.
Falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over 65.
They often result in broken bones, disability, and even death (yes, DEATH… more on that in a moment).
But you can SLASH your fall risk with a few simple steps.
Many folks are surprised to hear that taking a tumble can lead to death. But falls in folks over 65 led to a staggering 36,000 deaths in 2020 alone.
The fact is, a serious fall can kick off a vicious cycle. It typically goes something like this…
A broken bone leads to bed rest and pain meds. Those lead to muscle loss and unsteadiness on your feet. And shrinking muscle mass ad balance issues leave you frail, raising your risk for ANOTHER fall.
Plus, every fall presents another opportunity to hit your head. And the slower healing as we get older can turn any tumble into a disaster.
But getting older DOESN’T have to mean living in fear of falling. Because the right lifestyle tweaks can help you restore your strength, regain your balance, and reclaim your peace of mind.
- Start a good workout and balance program. You need to keep using your muscles and moving them in different ways to build and maintain your strength and balance. Try a group exercise program, a personalized program designed for you by a physical trainer or therapist, or check out free balance and strengthening videos for seniors on YouTube. Just keep moving (safely!).
- Get your eyesight and hearing checked every year. Our balance system is made up of three parts: vision, proprioception (being able to feel where your feet are), and the vestibular system (the inner ear). Make sure your glasses are up to date for your current prescription and that your hearing is corrected with aids if needed.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your medications. Some drugs can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded when you stand up. Plus, it’s easy to end up taking more meds than you need, especially when you see multiple doctors. And taking multiple meds that reduce blood pressure driving it too low and raising your fall risk isn’t uncommon.
- Make sure your home is safe. Go through every room in your home and get rid of anything that could cause you to trip. Things like clutter, unstable furniture, cords on the floor, and throw rugs can all pose a fall risk. Also evaluate the lighting. Dim rooms or dark areas can cause you to lose your footing. And use nightlights for late night bathroom or kitchen trips. The better you can see the better your balance will be.
Don’t resign yourself to becoming frail and prone to falling. These simple achievable solutions can have you walking tall and steady for years to come.
P.S. Weird brain trick can SLASH your fall risk.
Source:
“Older Adult Fall Prevention,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cdc. gov
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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