Many people think falls are a\nnormal part of aging. The truth is, they\u2019re not. Most falls can be\nprevented\u2014and you have the power to reduce your risk. Exercising, managing your\nmedications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment\nsafer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall. To promote greater\nawareness and understanding here are 10 common myths\u2014and the reality\u2014about\nolder adult falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Myth 1:<\/strong> Falling happens to\nother people, not to me. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality:<\/strong> Many people think,\n\u201cIt won\u2019t happen to me.\u201d But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every\nyear in the U.S.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth 2<\/strong>: Falling is\nsomething normal that happens as you get older. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality:<\/strong> Falling is not a\nnormal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your\nmedications, having your vision checked and making your living environment\nsafer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth 3<\/strong>: If I limit my\nactivity, I won\u2019t fall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality:<\/strong> Some people\nbelieve that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit\nactivity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay\nindependent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining\nactive. Social activities are also good for your overall health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth 4:<\/strong> As long as I stay\nat home, I can avoid falling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality:<\/strong> Over half of all\nfalls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but\nserious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple\nhome modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail\non stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth 5:<\/strong> Muscle strength and\nflexibility can\u2019t be regained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality<\/strong>: While we do lose\nmuscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It\u2019s\nnever too late to start an exercise program. Even if you\u2019ve been a \u201ccouch\npotato\u201d your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many\nways\u2014including protection from falls<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth 6:<\/strong> Taking medication\ndoesn\u2019t increase my risk of falling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality:<\/strong> Taking any\nmedication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many\ndifferent ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when\nstarting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential\nside effects or interactions of your medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Myth 7:<\/strong> I don\u2019t need to get\nmy vision checked every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reality:<\/strong> Vision is another\nkey risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss\nthat increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more\nthan twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes\nchecked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low\nvision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your\noptometrist for a referral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n