EATON — Why do we think it is okay for us to fall as we get older? Why do we accept that falling is a natural part of aging? Whoever decided that first and then convinced everyone to believe that did not know what they were talking about. It’s not normal to experience falls as we get older.
Yes, everyone does fall, but it isn’t normal to fall consistently. If you are a frequent faller, it is time for you to seek some help or resources that can help prevent you from falling. We all understand that falling cannot only hurt us or worse, but it is also embarrassing and that’s probably close to the top reason why people hide their falls from their loved ones or their doctor. It’s either that or it’s the fear that they won’t be able to stay in the home.
September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, and this helps remind us that contrary to popular belief, falling is not a normal part of aging, and most falls can be prevented. By knowing and managing your risk factors, you can live a full and active life free from the fear of falling. One of our goals at PCCOA is to keep you in your home as long as it is safe for you.
Did you know that we offer A Matter of Balance classes? This is an evidence-based program designed to reduce fear of falling and help increase activity levels by promoting exercise to enhance strength and balance. We currently have 2 scheduled that are full but are taking names for a waiting list. We hold classes at PCCOA, but also there is another class available in Preble County at the Kettering Health Preble building in the Community Room if you are wanting to get into a class before the end of the year. It is on Tuesdays, starting Oct. 17-Dec. 5, from 10 a.m.-noon (eight-week class). Space is limited and registration is required. For more information and to register, please call 937-558-3988 or go to this website https://ketteringhealth.org/event/a-matter-of-balance/
Here are some facts about falls in Ohio from Ohio Department of Aging (https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/facts-about-falls-in-Ohio-1). Falls are an epidemic among older Ohioans. The following facts compiled by the Ohio Department of Health shed light on the importance of fall prevention in Ohio.
Data from the Ohio Department of Health:
• One in three Ohioans age 65 and older fall each year.
• Falls are the leading cause of injury among Ohioans age 65 and older.
• In 2019, falls among older Ohioans led to 1,490 deaths, 18,856 hospitalizations, and 75,091 emergency department visits.
• Falls account for 60 percent of fatal traumatic brain injuries among Ohioans age 65 and older.
• A fall can lead to depression, loss of mobility, and loss of functional independence.
• From 2010 to 2019, the annual number of fall-related deaths among older adults increased by 55 percent.
• In 2019, the rate of fall-related deaths among Ohioans age 65 and older was 75.7 falls per 100,000 residents.
• In 2019, women made up 55 percent of fall-related deaths, compared to 45percent for men. However, men had a higher rate of fall-related deaths than women (87.4 deaths per 100,000 men vs. 67.4 deaths per 100,000 women).
• The risk of falling increases with age. From 2010 to 2019, Ohioans age 85 and older had the highest rate of fall-related deaths each year.
• In 2019, 57percent of fall-related deaths among older Ohioans occurred in the home and 29percent occurred in a residential institution, such as a nursing home or assisted living facility.
The causes of falls vary. Risk factors include:
• Lower body weakness;
• Chronic health conditions such as depression, diabetes, obesity and COPD;
• Poor nutrition;
• Use of multiple medications;
• Reduced vision;
• Home hazards;
• Weather and outdoor conditions;
• Disability;
• Lack of physical activity; and
• Fear of falling.
With it being Fall Prevention Awareness Month, we want to encourage everyone to count their steps and let us know! The ways you can do this are:
• Walk at least one mile during September and post a picture of you walking to social media (Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram) with the hashtags #10MStepsOH and #PreventFalls. Be sure to set your post privacy to “public.” Each post showing a walker and the hashtags will be counted as one mile toward the state goal.
• Meet up with a group of friends or family and take a walk around the house, in your neighborhood, at the local YMCA, at the park, at the senior center, and more. Just don’t forget to let us know how much you walked, so we can add it to the data for “10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls.”
To raise awareness of older adult falls and many ways older Ohioans can minimize their risks, the Ohio Department of Aging’s STEADY U Ohio initiative challenged all Ohioans to help take “10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls.” https://aging.ohio.gov/see-news-and-events/special-events/10-million-steps-to-prevent-falls
For all our activities and events check out our Facebook page, website, or Yodel for dates and prices. Don’t forget that you can become a member for just $10 a year and you will stay up to date with all our events and happenings. We are looking forward to seeing you visit us soon!
