The CDC reports that over one in four older adults suffers from a fall every year. For seniors in Chattanooga, TN, falls aren't just irritating; they can be devastating or even fatal.
A safe living environment is crucial for senior independence. In this article, we will cover balance exercises for seniors, fall prevention activities, and senior safety tips so you can feel confident navigating life with minimal fall risk.
Read on to begin learning all about senior fall prevention tips.
Preventing falls begins with maintaining your physical health in your golden years. There are various wellness activities for seniors that focus on strength and balance, which are essential for both mobility and stability.
Various poses require sustained periods in a single position, thereby promoting endurance. Added breathwork allows participants to breathe through the exercises and focus on benefiting mentally.
Weight lifting isn't just for bodybuilders. It can benefit seniors by strengthening and stabilizing their muscles. Increased strength and muscle mass contribute to better balance and mobility as well.
Despite its graceful appearance, ballet is one of the most athletic activities that you can engage in. Ballet requires a combination of strength and flexibility, which will build endurance over time.
Similar to ballet, barre is an exercise regimen that focuses on using a ballet barre for the duration of the workout.
Although it is a simple form of cardio, the benefits of walking can't be overstated. Regular walking helps train your body to navigate walking through your home and other indoor spaces, which in turn can help prevent falls.
Walking also keeps your joints and muscles limber, lessening the likelihood that you will need to use mobility aids. Getting outside for a walk, even for a handful of minutes every day, can boost mood and positively impact your mental health.
Despite their negative connotation, mobility aids can enhance your everyday experiences and foster more independence, rather than hold you back. Many senior activities can accommodate those with mobility aids, expanding your horizons.
Some of the most common senior mobility aids include:
Your doctor might recommend mobility aids temporarily or permanently. Aids can be beneficial when recovering from surgical procedures. However, permanent bone loss or weakness can lead to constant use of mobility aids in your everyday life.
Make sure areas such as doorways and hallways can accommodate the largest mobility aids. Measure according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines for best practice.
Grab bars are a cost-effective and simple solution for reducing falls in homes while still promoting senior independence. You can put them virtually anywhere, as long as they are within reach, so you can use them effectively.
Some of the most common locations for grab bars include:
Grab bars serve a dual purpose: assisting seniors in lifting themselves without caregiver help. They can also aid in fall preventionby giving seniors something to grab onto if they slip or lose their balance.
Low lighting can make it easier for seniors to trip and fall, causing major accidents and injuries. Brighter lighting in high-use areas ensures that you can see properly and avoid hurting yourself.
Automated lighting is ideal for seniors struggling to access light switches or remember their configuration. These lights contain motion sensors, flipping on whenever someone is within a designated distance.
Hallway and under-cabinet lighting can illuminate floor spaces so seniors can see clearly if overhead lighting is too harsh.
A loose floorboard or a frayed rug can be more than just a nuisance for seniors; it can cause major accidents. Imagine stubbing your toe on a floorboard that is sticking up from the ground, or tripping over a loose carpet thread. These are the perfect recipes for disastrous falls and injuries.
If you have hardwood floors, go through your home and note locations that need to be fixed. Look for floorboards coming loose or sharp corners.
It may be a good idea to remove rugs that aren't fully secured to your flooring. Consider alternatives such as adhesive attachments that can ensure carpeting sticks and doesn't slide.
Bathrooms are one of the locations in your home that have the most potential to cause falls and accidents. A slippery, humid environment is not conducive to seniors with mobility issues.
You shouldn't have to give up your independence if you enjoy bathing and showering on your own. It is easy to make modifications that can create a safe environment that still promotes senior dignity.
Install grab bars in high-touch areas, such as where you would reach for your shampoo, conditioner, or body wash. Install anti-slip mats on the floor to avoid unnecessary slips.
Consider converting your bathtub to a walk-in model or a standing shower. Bathtubs with doors are easier for seniors to walk through, without having to lift their legs to get over the top of the tub.
Roll-in showers are ideal for those with mobility aids. A true roll-in model has no increased elevation in the shower area, making it easy to bring in a wheelchair, walker, or shower chair. It is also accessible to medical authorities and aids if you require emergency assistance.
If you're a senior in Chattanooga, TN, you should not have to constantly worry about independent living safety. With these fall prevention tips, avoiding falls in seniors is simple.
At Creekside at Shallowford, we empower our residents to take care of themselves and foster positive relationships in their retirement years. With amenities such as a private dining room, linen service, and homestyle meals prepared daily, our retirement community allows our residents to thrive.
Are you ready to discover all of the benefits of life at Creekside of Shallowford? Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our stunning campus in Chattanooga, TN, in person to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!