Pasadena Fire Department Highlights Falls Prevention Awareness Day In Hopes to Reduce Older Adult Injuries

PASADENA, Calif.- The first day of fall, September 23, marks Falls Prevention Awareness Day and the Pasadena Fire Department is encouraging people to learn more about how to prevent fall-related injuries that affect older adults.

"We have seen a significant increase in falls and many of the situations are avoidable. We are hoping our outreach and education will help bring down these numbers and keep our community safer long-term. Often when physicians recommend that a patient use assisted devices such as a cane or a walker, they should continue to use them at home as well, but many don't because they have a false sense of security in their own home," states Fire Chief Chad Augustin.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65+. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries. And even falls without a major injury can cause an older adult to become fearful or depressed, making it difficult for them to stay active.

The fear of falling can make it difficult for an older adult to stay active, which can take a serious toll on their quality of life and independence. But falls are not an inevitable part of aging and there are proven ways to prevent them. Exercising, managing medications correctly, and making the living environment safer are just a few tips

Here are some common factors that can lead to a fall:

• Balance and flexibility: As we age, most of us lose coordination, flexibility and balance primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.
• Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see. New research suggests hearing loss can also contribute to the risk of falling.
• Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration, or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.
• Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age.
• Chronic conditions: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain or multiple medications.

The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. Here are six easy steps to reduce the risk of falls:

• Find a good balance and exercise program: Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility. Find a program you like and take a friend.
• Talk to your healthcare provider: Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.
• Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist: Make sure side effects aren't increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.
• Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses: Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.
• Keep your home safe: Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
• Talk to family members: Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors' issue.

It is important to take action once you begin to experience mobility difficulties, falls, or instability. Your doctor can provide a fall risk assessment or refer you to a physical therapist who can recommend appropriate exercises for you.

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