September Blog Post: Fall (Not Autumn) Awareness

As we welcome the crisp air and colorful leaves of September, it’s important to remember that this month is also Fall Prevention Awareness Month. For seniors, preventing falls is crucial for maintaining independence and overall health. Let’s explore why fall prevention is essential and what steps we can take to stay safe.

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls are a significant concern for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

– One in four Americans aged 65+ falls each year.
– Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.
– Falls result in more than 3 million emergency department visits annually.

However, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Many falls can be prevented with the right strategies and awareness.

Tips for Preventing Falls

1. Stay active: Regular exercise improves strength, balance, and flexibility. Consider activities like tai chi, yoga, or swimming.

2. Review your medications: Some can cause dizziness or affect balance. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about potential side effects.

3. Get your vision checked: Poor vision can increase fall risk. Schedule regular eye exams and always wear your glasses or contacts as prescribed.

4. Make your home safer: Remove tripping hazards, improve lighting, and install handrails and grab bars where needed.

5. Wear proper footwear: Choose shoes with non-slip soles and good support.

6. Use assistive devices: If your healthcare provider recommends using a cane or walker to help with balance.

The Importance of a Positive Outlook

While it’s crucial to be aware of fall risks, it’s equally important to maintain a positive, proactive attitude. Don’t let fear of falling keep you from staying active and engaged. Instead, use this awareness to empower yourself and take control of your health and safety. Remember, preventing falls is about maintaining your independence and enjoying life to its fullest. Let’s commit to staying safe, active, and fall-free this September!

Check out the links for more information:

Driving at Night

Driving in the Dark

When aging eyes meet nighttime roadways, driving can be hazardous. Here’s how you can make the road you travel safer.

Half of all fatal car crashes happen after dark, according to data from the National Safety Council, even though only 25 percent of driving happens then. The darker it gets, the more challenged our sight becomes, especially when it’s a question of spotting objects along the side of the road. In low contrast conditions, it’s difficult to estimate how fast objects, such as other cars, are moving, and our reaction times are slowed.

How to See Better in the Dark

Driving as little as possible after dark is safety tip number one. But sometimes, especially when the days grow shorter, that simply isn’t an option. To maximize your vision:

  1. Use your bright lights at night in almost all cases, except when there are oncoming cars. Drivers often don’t see as well at night as they think they do, and high beams give them the best chance of reacting fast enough to an unexpected hazard.
  2. Don’t economize. When buying a new or used car, look for models with top-rated headlights (go to iihs.org/ratings to find a car’s safety ratings). When given a choice, opt for the best headlights available.
  3. If your car is several years old, consider getting your headlights and casings replaced. A 2018 study by AAA found that in at least two popular sedan models, degraded headlights and yellowed headlight casings meant that on low beams, the headlights were emitting just 22 percent of the light that new ones would provide, making night driving more hazardous.
  4. Keep your windshield and headlights cleaned, for obvious reasons. Clean of the ice and snow before driving.
  5. Reset the illumination levels of your dashboard lights and any in-car screens to low. Bright light inside makes it harder to see outside.