10 Myths and Facts About Falls In Elders

My friends and I discussed about falls in elders when we met this weekend for pot lunch.  Falls and their harmful consequences were very common in elders; we discussed various things about falls and the myths and facts about falls that we had read and gathered from different sources.

The myths and facts about falls in elders:

Myth #1: Some elders feel that it is no big deal to fall, as they immediately get up on falling.  

Fact: Not necessarily, every 1 out of 3 falls of elders above the age of 65 is serious and end up in hip fractures and other serious injuries; a leading cause for death or disability that hinder their living independently. 

Myth #2: Falls are just a part of aging and nothing can be done about it. 

Fact: Though it is true that as we age our risk of falling increases due to failing eyesight, sense of balance, mobility, structure of bones and reflexes and medical conditions like stroke, diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, elders can do a lot to protect themselves from falling.

Myth #3: So long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Fact: Most falls take place at home due to hazards like throw rugs, clutter, rough surfaces and poor lighting. Regular safety inspections are necessary, so also simple home modifications like grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth #4: The best way to prevent falling again is to avoid physical activity.

Fact: Inactivity increases the risk of falls by decreasing one’s reserve of energy, muscle tone and alertness. You could avoid the cycle of inactivity by asking a health care provider all about a prevention exercise plan that would suit you.  

Myth #5: Only balance exercises are used as effective measures to protect against falls. 

Fact: No, four types of exercises work together to prove as an effective fall prevention exercise program. Aerobic exercises help improve cardiovascular fitness and bring more oxygen to the brain, while strengthening exercises help to build muscles. It is also necessary to do balance exercises because they help improve our sense of body placement. Flexibility exercises help by stretching the ligaments.

 

Myth #6: Muscle strength and flexibility, once lost, can never be regained.

Fact: Most of us lose 20 to 40 percent of our muscle tissue as we age and become less limber; however we can partially restore the strength and flexibility by exercise. Even if you have not exercised a lot during your whole life, beginning an exercise program now will benefit elders in many ways including protecting against falls.

Myth #7: To prevent against falls, exercise must be strenuous.

Fact: Not necessarily, even a little bit of moderate activity can make a marked difference in muscle strength; this is also true of gentle exercises like tai chi. Irrespective of his/her health status even elders can reap rich dividends with an individualized exercise program.

Myth #8: Risks of falls are decreased by medications. 

Fact: It’s true that medications help treat conditions as arthritis, osteoporosis and low blood pressure that increase a person’s risk of falling. But these medicines side effects like dizziness, fatigue, confusion or weakness increase the risk of falling side effects of some medications can actually put us at greater risk of falling. 

Myth #9: My family members or healthcare provider may slow me down if I fear falls.  

Fact: Prevention of falls is a team effort; so it is best to discuss it with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. These people care about you and may want to reduce the risk. 

Myth #10: If I am worried about the fall risk of a parent, spouse or other senior, I shouldn’t bring it up because it might hurt their feelings. 

Fact: Caring for a loved elder is a caring act that helps elders maintain the highest degree of independence possible. We could act as a cheerleader for removing hazards in the home, and finding a fall protection program. Let your loved one know that you fully support this important goal

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