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The Hidden Dangers of Falls for Baby Boomers

By Lex Gonzales September 26, 2022 Health and Fitness

Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, and baby boomers are at especially high risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three adults aged 65 and over will experience a fall each year.

What’s more, falls are not just a danger to our physical health – they can also lead to cognitive decline and a loss of independence. Research has shown that older adults who fall are more likely to develop dementia.

So, what can you do to reduce our risk of falling? In this article, we will discuss the hidden dangers of falls for baby boomers and explore some simple strategies for preventing falls.

The Dangers of Falls

Falls can happen anywhere – in the home, in the garden, even on level ground.

They are often caused by a sudden loss of balance, a trip or slip, or a medical condition that makes it difficult to keep your balance and equilibrium.

Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as a hip fracture or head injury, and can even be fatal. The CDC reports that each year falls cause more than 2.8 million emergency department visits, over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,000 deaths.

Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in adults aged 65 and over, and they are also the leading cause of hip fractures. Hip fractures can be particularly serious in older adults, as they can lead to a long hospital stay, a loss of independence, and even death.

The Consequences of Falls

Falls can have a significant impact on your quality of life.

They can cause injuries that lead to pain, disability, and a loss of independence. Falls can also have a psychological impact, causing anxiety and fear.

Falls can lead to a number of serious injuries. Here are the most common ones.

Fractures

The most common type of fracture among older adults is a hip fracture. Hip fractures can be extremely painful and can lead to a long hospital stay, a loss of independence, and even death.

Head Injuries

Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in older adults. TBIs can cause several cognitive and physical problems, including memory loss, depression, and difficulty walking.

Soft Tissue Injuries

These are injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Soft tissue injuries can be extremely painful and can take several weeks or months to heal.

In addition to the physical consequences of falls, they can also lead to a loss of confidence and independence. Fear of falling can cause people to limit their activities, which can lead to social isolation and depression.

Preventing Falls

Fortunately, there are a number of things we can do to reduce our risk of falling. Some simple fall-prevention strategies include:

Exercising to Improve Strength and Balance

Tai chi, dancing, and other exercises that focus on balance and leg strength can help to reduce the risk of falls.

Making Your Home Safer

Simple changes to your home, such as removing trip hazards and installing handrails, can make a big difference in preventing falls.

Wearing Supportive Shoes

Shoes with good arch support and a non-slip sole can help to reduce the risk of falls.

Checking Your Medications

Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falling. If you’re concerned about the side effects of your medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What to Do If You Fall

If you do fall, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps:

Stay Where You Are

If you’ve fallen and you can’t get up, stay where you are and call for help. Trying to get up without first checking for any injuries could make your injuries worse.

Check for Injuries

If you’re able to get up, check for injuries. If you’re bleeding or in pain, call for medical help.

Get Up Slowly

If you don’t have any injuries, try to get up slowly. Use a steady chair or another object to help you stand up.

Stay Active

Once you’re up, don’t just sit down – stay active and continue moving around to help reduce your risk of falling again.

What to Do Next

Falls can cause serious injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, and soft tissue injuries, and can also lead to a loss of confidence and independence.

If you need more information or if you are looking for solutions, I have written a comprehensive and complete program in my book, The Book of Balance, that will improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you experienced a fall? Did it result in an injury? What triggered the fall – was it bad balance, a trip or slip, or something else? How have you improved your health and lifestyle since the fall?

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Pamela

I am 62 very healthy active and I have fallen 3 times this year. I have had a check up for underlying health issues and have none. I’m just clumsy I think. I have started yoga and weight training to try and bills muscles and balance. Fingers crossed no more falls for me.

Dr. Lex Gonzales

Yoga and weight training will definitely help Pamela!

Maria Estrella Alima

Yes I’ve experienced .but I’was able to get up and thank God I dont have any injuries and im happy ived able to have my strenght fully ..

Thank you for sharing your experience Maria.

Susan

I am a caregiver to my 100 year old father and he recently fell while I was outdoors. He did not hurt himself but told me that it took him 15 minutes to get in a position to hoist himself up. He is in pretty good health, both mentally and physically but I see that he has lost confidence and was shaken up by fall. Mainly because he realized that his muscles had deteriorated so much and he had used all the strength he had to pull himself up. As a women in my late 60’s, I have incorporated Yoga twice a week for the past 3 years and feel that balance is so important as we age. Just taking one day at a time and being mindful of what is around me, I feel I am more confident in myself. Take care everyone!

Dr. Lex Gonzales

Thank you for sharing your experience Susan.

Helena

Where can I find this book‽

Dr. Lex Gonzales

Hi Helena,
You can click on the link below and it will direct you to a page where you can get either an ebook version or a paperback thru Amazon:

https://drlexgonzales.com/books/the-book-of-balance/

Stay healthy and live fully,
Dr. Lex Gonzales, PT, DPT

The Author

Dr. Lex Gonzales, PT, DPT received his degree of Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of South Florida in the USA. He has been a physiotherapist for over 24 years with a special interest in the geriatric or older adult population. Visit him at drlexgonzales.com.

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