Are you a senior? Do you know any seniors? Are there any seniors that are close to you that you may be concerned about? If you answer yes to any of these questions, you are not alone and statistics show that you are within 90% of the entire population. 🙂 I am of course kidding, but my topic today: “Falls” is no laughing matter. Here are some REAL statistics:
Annually, 40% of older Americans over 69 y/o fall at least once. That’s almost 1 in every 2 seniors falling. The cost of falls is alarming. Up to $30 billion! Add to that the fall out from falls (pun intended 🙂 musculo-skeletal injuries, broken bones and the emotional scars, and falls seem to be an important event to avoid.
If you think those stats are bad, here are some more which will knock your socks off (metaphorically of course.) Studies show that there are 4 predictors for seniors going from living independently to living in a long term care situation. They are: Urinary incontinence; Dementia; Social Isolation and, you guessed it: Falls and fall related injuries.
Of course there are so many reasons a person, senior or junior, may fall. These include factors such as overall physical health, vision hazards, environmental slip and trip hazards and of course strength and balance.
If you know anything about me, you know I love to bring you information from the studies that have been done by greater minds. I love to see the evidence, and while doing my research for this article, I found a study looking at recommendations for fall prevention. Here are some of the expert recommendations: EXERCISES, GAIT STABILIZATION, vision assessment, medication assessment, and supplementation including one of my favorite vitamins: VITAMIN D.
So, as usual, I know what you are thinking: Dr. Shepherd, what do seniors and falls have to do with you? Well, (also as usual,) i’m glad you asked! Seniors need to understand their risk of falling and the importance of maintaining their balance. Fortunately, a visit to your local chiropractor (like me,) may be all that is required. “Computerized dynamic posturography,” – testing offered by your local physical medicine doctor such as a chiropractor, is an easy way to determine balance, postural sway and fall risk. Once the assessment is made, specifically tailored rehabilitation exercises can help patients at risk of falls to be safer. This presents an outstanding balance and fall risk solution.
If this speaks to you or makes you think of someone you know, please feel free to reach out to us in office we are happy to help in any way that we can.
Disclaimer: Please remember that it’s impossible to diagnose you and treat you just by you reading one of our articles. I’m superwoman it’s true, but even that is beyond my capabilities. So before you engage in any health and wellness activities, do consult your health care provider. Please know that we are happy to address your personal concerns, just call us in office to schedule your personal consultation; and thanks ever so much for reading. We appreciate you.