As we age, the possibility of experiencing an injury-inducing fall becomes a much greater concern. Significant research has demonstrated that lifestyle elements such as diet, exercise and medication management all substantially contribute to fall risk among older adults. Eskaton understands that fall prevention begins with helping older adults identify those factors that contribute to fall risk, and continues with finding solutions that help mitigate these factors. 

Download our entire Fall Prevention Booklet, and discover how small modifications to your home and daily routine can substantially lessen your chances of experiencing an injury-inducing fall.

Lifestyle Matters

The key to reducing your risk of a fall is to understand which factors influence your gait and sense of balance. Many risks associated with falling can be significantly reduced when you understand them and take the proper steps to address them. Interestingly enough, certain lifestyle choices contribute greatly to fall risk and can be categorized into three main areas: physical, behavioral and environmental.

Physical — Changes in muscle strength, mass and endurance are common as you age. The good news is that incorporating regular activity and movement into your daily routine can help you address these changes. Low-impact activities such as walking, aquatic exercises and yoga can help you to improve balance, flexibility and strength, all which considerably reduce your risk of an injury-inducing fall.

Behavioral — Sitting for long periods of time, eating an unbalanced diet, taking multiple medications and drinking alcohol in excess all considerably increase the likelihood of a fall. Adjusting your lifestyle to incorporate more natural movement, eating a healthy and nourishing diet, limiting alcohol intake and talking with your doctor about any issues you’re experiencing with your prescriptions, are ways you can lower your fall risk.

Environmental — Many cities, neighborhoods and homes were not designed to address the changes and challenges experienced by older adults as they age. Uneven surfaces, untidy living spaces, unsecured rugs, inadequate lighting and poorly-maintained sidewalks can all pose increased risk for trips and slips. Making a few minor modifications to your living space, such as smart home lighting, grab bars in the bathroom or removing unnecessary clutter, can make your home more accessible, lowering your risk of a fall.

Get Moving to Stay Strong in Body and Mind

It doesn’t take a medical degree to understand that increasing your activity levels can help support your balance, posture and overall mobility. After all, the more you exercise your muscles, the stronger they are. The stronger your muscles, the better they support your body and gait, decreasing your probability of experiencing an injury-inducing fall. However, what might not be as readily evident is the strong correlation between physical exercise and maintaining cognitive (brain) health. Studies have recently shown that the more active and fit an individual is, the less likely they are to experience debilitating cognitive change, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. While it certainly isn’t the only factor that contributes to these and other diagnoses, getting appropriate amounts of exercise certainly goes a long way in fostering and promoting a healthy brain.

Meet Inge Roberts, an Eskaton Village Grass Valley resident living with cognitive change. A power walker of the most energetic sort, Inge came to Eskaton in February 2017 after receiving her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Recognizing better than most the deep connection between cognitive health and physical exercise, Inge is determined to remain on the move. Read her full story here.