As we age, our risk of falling and being injured increase. After age 65, your risk of falling is about one in three. These falls may result in broken bones or other injuries that lead to declining health, isolation and a loss of independence.
I met with Nancy Avena, a physical therapist at Des Peres Hospital who specializes in balance issues.
"Aging brings many physical changes including slowed reaction times and a decreased sense of balance," said Avena. "Many medications including diuretics, sedatives and high blood pressure medications can alter your sense of balance. Health conditions that affect older adults such as cataracts, glaucoma, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, congestive heart failure, heart arrhythmias, emphysema, arthritis and nerve damage can also increase your risk of falls."
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Exercise Helps
While your risk of falling increases with age, you can take steps to help prevent falls. Avena recommends first talking with your: "You may need to have your vision as well as your balance and movement checked. Your prescription medications may need to be changed."
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She noted that many people can reduce their risk of falls by exercising and improving their balance.
"One of the best exercises to help prevent falls is walking," Avena said. "You should walk regularly to avoid getting rusty."
Water or pool exercises also can help prevent falls by helping you practice the skills needed for walking.
Improving Your Balance
To improve your balance and coordination, Avena suggested you practice standing on one leg for short periods. "You can hold onto a chair while you’re doing this, if you need to," she said
You also might consider taking Tai Chi classes. This ancient Chinese discipline involves slow, dance-like movements that help relax and strengthen muscles and joints. One sturdy indicated that Tai Chi may help reduce your risk of falls by more than 47 percent.
Learn more and have your balance tested at Des Peres Hospital's free seminar and screenings on Tuesday, September 24. Screenings from 9 - 10 and 11 - 12. Seminar from 10 - 11. To register, call 1-888-457-5203.