Jeannie Winselman and Audrey Clough
SAC’s Enrichment Center
I know we have discussed this topic before, but we are bringing it up again to remind you to be careful, since falls can put you at serious risk of injury. One out of three adults age 65 and older fall each year, yet many falls can be avoided. Falls are the leading cause of adult injuries, including lacerations, hip fractures, and head trauma.
Why do so many seniors fall? Well, there are numerous reasons. They might slip due to loss of traction. Or maybe they have balance problems caused by muscle loss and reduced strength. Poor eyesight due to reduced vision is another cause. Dizziness can be a side effect of the medications you are taking, causing falls. Slow reflexes can make it difficult to move out of the way of a hazard or to keep your balance. Other risk factors include slippery or wet surfaces, poor lighting, cluttered pathways, or improper footwear.
How do you recover after a fall? It can be a long process, depending on the severity of your injuries from falling. Physical therapy can help you to regain your strength and endurance. A good therapist can recommend exercises to improve your flexibility, mobility, and balance to help decrease the risk of subsequent falls. He-she can also educate you about how to prevent falls and how to assess your home so that it can be a safe environment.
How do you prevent future falls? First you should “fall proof” your home—both inside and outdoors—by keeping walkways free of clutter, adding more lighting, and installing grab bars in the bathroom. Then, learn about any side effects of your medications that could affect your balance. And, of course, take care of your health. Regular exercise, calcium intake, and regular doctor checkups for your eyesight and hearing will help.
Fear of falling doesn’t need to rule your life. It’s important to get out of the house and stay safe. So, since senior falling is such an important topic, we all need to be educated on why it happens, how to recover, and fall prevention strategies for the future. If you have any questions on this topic, feel free to stop into SAC’s Enrichment Center or call us at 763-689-6555 for further resources.
Weekly Events:
Monday, Oct. 24:
• 8:30 a.m. – Morning Stretch.
• 9:30 a.m. – Wellness Walking.
• 10:30 a.m. – Blood Pressure checks.
• 1 p.m. Bridge.
Tuesday, Oct. 25:
• 10 a.m. – Adult Coloring.
• 10 a.m. – Knit & Stitch.
• Noon – “Hand and Foot” Cards.
Wednesday, Oct. 26:
• 8:30 a.m. – Morning Stretch.
• 9 a.m. – Cribbage.
Thursday, Oct. 27:
• 9:30 a.m. – Walking.
• Noon – “500” cards.
The newsletter is now posted on our website at www.sacsmn.org. We are also on Facebook and you can access it with a link on our home page.
Events happening at SAC’s:
• Monday, Oct. 24: Blood pressure readings to the public.
• Saturday, Nov. 5: St. Cloud State Driver Improvement Program – First Time, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call 1-888-234-1294 to register.
• Travel with Sandie, Aug. 17-29. The Cambridge Senior Center is offering an exclusive tour of Norway. This 13-day trip is the perfect combination of spectacular Norwegian scenery, local delicacies, incredible venues and centrally located upscale hotels. Memories will last a lifetime as we explore the best parts of Oslo, Bergen and the Fjords of Norway. Come and get a brochure at SAC’s Enrichment Center.