We all know the seriousness of diseases like heart disease and cancer, and many of us have been practicing healthy lifestyles to prevent these health problems, however, many are unaware of the risks associated with falls in older adults. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries among adults 65 and older in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36 million older adults fall each year, resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. Falls can cause cuts, fractures, and serious head injuries in older adults. Unlike children or young adults, they cannot easily recover from falls. Even if the elderly are lucky enough not to fall and be injured, they may be afraid of falling and choose to gradually reduce their daily activities. As we all know, being less active is not a good habit. It weakens our bones, muscles and body systems and increases the chance of future falls.
The important step in preventing falls in older adults is understanding risk factors. There are many reasons why older adults are at higher risk for falls, including:
- Poor vision or hearing — these age-related changes can prevent older adults from noticing the way they object.
- Diseases – Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, osteoporosis and arthritis can lead to limb weakness, poor grip strength, balance disturbances and cognitive impairments that increase the risk of falls.
- Medications – Sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications often cause falls as a side effect, and taking multiple medications can also make your feet unsteady.
- Lack of senior-friendly design – Many senior falls occur in homes where poor lighting, loose carpets, and a lack of safety equipment in the home can make seniors more likely to trip or fall.
You can prevent falls in older adults by making lifestyle and environmental changes, including:
- Exercise regularly – Some exercises will not only make your legs stronger, but also improve your balance and coordination, yoga and tai chi are good examples of this type of exercise that can help you stay on your feet as you age.
- Regular eye exams – seeing an eye doctor at least once a year to ensure clear vision can reduce your risk of falls somewhat, and your doctor will also be able to detect whether you have eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.
- Keep your home safe – you can do this by eliminating clutter, improving lighting, installing handrails, using non-slip mats, and more.
- Reduce Pain and Injuries After a Fall – If you or your family accidentally falls, you can use MiraMate Mini Magic to reduce pain and promote bone regeneration. Mini Magic utilizes the principles of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy to target the underlying cause of pain, rebalance the body’s natural anti-inflammatory functions and promote cell regeneration. It is a drug-free alternative therapy without any harmful side effects. All you need to do is place the Mini Magic’s coil on the fracture area or where you feel pain, and the PEMF frequency will penetrate deep into your tissue to help relieve pain and regenerate bone cells.
