Falls can affect older adults in many ways. If an older person falls and is injured, his or her ability to live independently decreases. Even a fall that does not cause an injury can limit confidence and the ability to feel comfortable living independently.

In New York State, fall-related injuries are highest among persons aged 70 and older. Hip fractures and fall-related deaths are also most common in this age group.

Older people are more likely to have health problems and to be taking multiple medications that can impair balance, reaction time, strength or vision. The rise in falls and costly fall-related injuries can be attributed to a number of factors. However, many of them are preventable.

A lack of knowledge about risk factors and how to prevent them contributes to many falls. Some people think that falls are a normal part of aging and are not preventable.

The following are five key risk factors of falls among older adults:

• Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become less porous, less resistant to stress and more prone to fractures. Caused by hormonal changes, calcium and vitamin D deficiency, and decreased physical activity, it is a chief cause of fractures in older adults, especially women.
• Lack of physical activity: A lack of regular physical activity results in poor muscle tone, decreased strength and loss of flexibility.
• Impaired vision: Age-related vision diseases such as cataracts and glaucoma can alter people's perception, visual acuity, peripheral vision and susceptibility to glare.
• Medications: Some medications can reduce mental alertness, affecting balance and gait, and causing drops in blood pressure while standing.
• Environmental hazards. At least one-third of all falls in older adults involve environmental hazards in the home. The most common hazard is tripping over objects on the floor. Other hazards include poor lighting, loose rugs, lack of grab bars or poorly mounted ones and un-sturdy furniture.

While all of these factors increase the chance of falls, most of them are preventable. Some simple things you can do to decrease the risk of falls in and around your home are:

• Make sure all rooms are brightly lit, and place night lights in each room.
• Reduce the clutter. Prevent people from tripping over objects by putting them away after each use.
• Get rid of all cords. Arrange your furniture so that all electrical and extension cords are out of the way.
• Get an eye exam each year, and wear glasses as prescribed by your health care provider.
• Get regular physical activity. Engaging in 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week can increase muscle strength and flexibility and improve balance.
• Install sturdy handrails in bathrooms and by all steps - and use them.
• Secure all rugs. Be sure all throw rugs and scatter rugs have non-skid backing.
• Wear shoes that have flat or low-heeled soles, whenever possible.
• Watch out for pets. Be aware of where your pet is, and be careful when visiting others who have pets, as well.
• Avoid uneven walking surfaces. Be sure to avoid broken sidewalks and areas under construction, when possible.

Mother Nature presents her own hazards when it comes to falls. Snow is the greatest culprit. Try to limit your driving to daylight hours, and always park where it is clear of snow and ice. It's also a good idea to let someone know where you are or, better yet, take a friend with you when you travel.

For more information on how to prevent falls in older adults, contact the Genesee County Health Department at 344-2580 x5000

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