Celebrating the Older Generation: Falls prevention and Keeping Our Seniors Safe and Active

With October fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the older generation we are fortunate to share this world with. After all, October 1st marks International Day of Older Persons. As we all know, the elderly population is growing. People are living longer and, in many cases, working longer too. As osteopaths, our work goes beyond treating sports injuries. and includes things like falls prevention We support people from all walks of life, and we see many elderly patients who benefit from our care.

falls prevention


The Aging Body: Understanding the Changes

As we age, our bodies naturally undergo changes. Joints experience wear and tear, muscles become weaker, and areas like eyesight may decline. These changes can affect our ability to move efficiently, which increases the risk of falls and injuries. Falls, in fact, are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults. It’s not uncommon for us to treat patients who’ve experienced a fall, resulting in injuries like hip or wrist fractures, shoulder damage, and head trauma. Our goal is to help these individuals get back on their feet and recover as quickly as possible.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

While we’re always here to help those who’ve experienced a fall, we strongly believe in the power of prevention. There are numerous strategies that can help reduce fall risk in the elderly, and we’re here to guide you. Here’s how we can assist:

1. Biomechanical Assessment

Understanding how you move is key. We assess your body’s biomechanics to identify any dysfunctions that could increase your risk of falling. With this knowledge, we can offer hands-on treatments, create a personalized home exercise program, and provide expert advice to address those issues and reduce your fall risk.

2. Strength and Conditioning Exercises

Weakness, especially in the lower limbs, is a common cause of falls. We evaluate your strength and create a gentle strengthening program designed to build a stronger body, better able to support you as you age.

3. Falls prevention – Balance and Coordination Exercises

Balance and coordination can also deteriorate as we age, and poor balance is a major contributor to falls. The good news? We offer targeted exercises to improve balance and coordination, helping you feel steadier and more confident on your feet.

4. Home Safety Advice

Falls are not only caused by physical issues but can also be influenced by the environment. We can help make your home safer by offering practical advice, such as removing rugs, clearing walkways, and rearranging furniture. These simple changes can significantly reduce your fall risk at home.

5. Walking Aids

Some seniors rely on walking sticks or frames for support. We’re here to help you use these aids effectively. By showing you the correct way to use them, we ensure they become a valuable tool rather than a hindrance.

A Holistic Approach to Falls Prevention

During your consultation, we may identify other areas that require attention. For instance, we may recommend a medication review with your GP to ensure your medications aren’t increasing your fall risk. If eyesight is an issue, we can refer you to an optician or optometrist for a professional assessment. Should your feet require specialized care, we’ll guide you to a trusted podiatrist. Our goal is to ensure all aspects of your health are addressed to minimize your risk of falling.

Aging Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

We understand that getting older can be challenging, and adjusting to a body that isn’t as nimble as it once was can be tough. However, we’re here to tell you that help is available, and aging doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. You have the power to take charge of your health! By eating well, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and maintaining a focus on keeping your body strong, you’ll be setting yourself up for a healthier, more fulfilling life as you age.

 

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