Reduce Your Risk of Falls

In this winter season, it is easy for anyone to fall and possibly get injured; but our elder population has an increased risk of falling anywhere. The elderly have a nine times greater risk of dying from a fall than a 20-year-old driver does in an auto accident. Loss of balance, however, does not have to be an inevitable and “unfixable” part of the aging process.

Decreased balance is not always apparent. Many folks can walk upright in a straight path without aid of a cane and seem fine, but the trick comes when they may have to turn around, raise their arms, or step over an object. Reaching out to touch furniture or walls while walking is known as “cruising” and a sure sign that they need the extra stability of a cane or possibly even a walker.

Canes, walkers, furniture and a friend’s arm can all add security and decrease the chance of a fall but will not stop the progression of loss of balance. Our vision, vestibular (inner ear), posture, muscle strength and feeling in our lower limbs all affect posture and some of these can be corrected.

One of the body’s first lines of defense for maintaining standing balance comes from our ankle muscles’ ability to continuously adjust how our body is positioned over our feet to maintain balance. Hips next come into play to keep us upright. The ability to recover our balance once it is challenged involves the ability to quickly take a step, shift our trunk or outstretch an arm. All these factors can be relearned through physical therapy, as well as correcting postural problems such as tight or weak muscles, especially the back muscles, which begin to succumb to gravity in the elderly population.

Balance improves consistently for the majority of patients who participate in warm water pool therapy. Muscles can be stretched and strengthened in the buoyant environment. Balance can be challenged and worked on without the fear of falling. Balance tasks can be progressed at different depths with the greatest risk being getting a hairdo wet!

If balance has become as issue for you or a loved one, your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist for evaluation and set up a treatment program. A walker does not always have to become necessary if balance loss can be corrected. Stay safe and be careful on that ice!

Jenny Jones, PT has been a licensed physical therapist since 1980 and is passionate about her vocation.

#health