SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH: For the next several weeks, we will be addressing 10 Myths About Older Adults and Falls from the National Council on Aging. Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they’re not. Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk. Exercising, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall. To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths—and the reality—about older adult falls. Myths 4-7:
• Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modi cations, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.
• Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.
Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.
• Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.
Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Becareful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.
• Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.
Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.
For more information: www.ncoa.org/FallsPrevention
SEPTEMBER IS FALL PREVENTION MONTH: To protect yourself against falls, you should stay active. Generations is promoting activity with a “Roll the Dice” game beginning Fall Prevention Week (September 18-24) through the end of October. If you’d like to play, email rsvp@vinu.edu to register. Please leave your name and number and someone will call you back to tell you where and when to pick up your kit. The kit will include 2 dice, an exercise log and instructions on how to play. On November 2nd, we will be hosting Dine with a Doc in the Trailblazer Room on the campus of Vincennes University at 11 a.m. You can turn in your log at that time and pick up your participation reward. You are welcome to stay, eat lunch and listen to the doctor speak on that day. If you’d like more information, please contact Cathy Jones 812-888-5159.
GENERATIONS TO OFFER LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS IN OCTOBER: Generations will be offering a free 6-week course, Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions, every Thursday beginning October 6th through November 11th, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Generations (Zella Young Building – 3rd Floor), 1019 N. 4th St., Vincennes, IN. Many adults with conditions such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, and others struggle to find ways to manage their condition. This program will address issues faced by individuals dealing with chronic disease. Some of the topics discussed during the course of this program are: techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, isolation and poor sleep; decision-making skills to better deal with medication use and treatment options; exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility and endurance; pacing activity and rest; nutrition gaps; and action planning. This program is FREE and a FREE lunch will be provided, but you must register, as seating is limited. For more information, or to register, please contact Cathy Jones at 812-888-5159 or by e-mail at catherine.jones@vinu.edu.
MATTER OF BALANCE CLASS TO BE HELD IN BICKNELL: A Matter of Balance is designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. Participants learn to set realistic goals to increase activity, change their environment to reduce fall risk factors, and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls will be offered at the Knox County 4-H Fairgrounds, 11728 IN-67, Bicknell, IN every Tuesday beginning October 4th, 2022 through November 22nd, 2022. Classes will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This 8-week program is offered free of charge, but pre-registration is required. Spots are limited! A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. For more information, or to register, contact Rita Wampler at 812-899-0465.
GENERATIONS MAGAZINE: Our magazine is geared toward adults in pre-retirement and retirement years and promotes active aging and preventive health. It is published three times a year and is free to subscribers. All we need is your name and address. If you would like to receive future copies of the magazine, contact Brenda Hancock at 812-888-5146 or bhancock@vinu.edu.
Generations, Area 13 Agency on Aging & Disability, is a program of Vincennes University’s Community Services Division. Our agency connects individuals and caregivers to community resources and options for long-term care and in-home services. For more information, call 1-800-742-9002 or 812-888-5880 or visit our website at www.generationsnetwork.org
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https://dentoncountynewsonline.com/september-is-fall-prevention-awareness-month-lifestyles-washtimesherald-com-washington-times-herald/
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