Teresa Arnold, AARP SC State director, is spokesperson this week. She has recommendations from a Long Term Care Task Forum Report that coordinates prevention services for seniors. AARP is a worldwide organizations that promotes independence, dignity and purpose for older persons encouraging them to “serve and not be served.”
Falls are a devastating and expensive public health concern. Falls are responsible for more fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults than any other cause. One third of adults over 65 experience a fall each year, and 30 percent sustain injures that make it difficult to return to independent living.
According to The State of Health and Aging in America, South Carolina ranks in the bottom quartile of states for falls with injury in the past year. Inpatient hospital charges related to falls for all ages were over $800 million. Almost 70 percent people who were hospitalized due to falls were 65 and up. Medicaid paid over $47 million in inpatient hospital charges related to falls.
Who falls?
A third of the population is 65 and older and it increases to half the population for those 80 and over. Of those, half who fall never recover. Of falls, 85 percent happen at home and 59 percent of falls are due to physical or medical conditions. The rest are a result from accidents or tripping over something.
Your health affects your fall risk so remain physically active. Maintaining muscle strength through activity or exercise may be the key to fall prevention. Practice your balance – simple things – stand on one foot while doing dishes. The counter top is there to help if you need balance.
Take care of your bones — get acquainted with calcium and vitamins daily. Make certain to have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Your ears and eyes are your input to help you maintain balance. If you are dizzy or losing your balance, you may have a health issue. See your physician.
Learn about your medications: The more medications you take, the more you are at risk for falling. Be aware of your feet: If you have foot problems, see your physician. Wear shoes that fit, have a non-skid bottom and are comfortable.
Inspect your home and reduce any trip hazards. Be aware of your surroundings when you go out. Dual tasking can be a problem (doing two things at once.)
If you live alone, learn how to get up from a fall. Keep your cell phone in pocket and have a relative or friend call you daily to check on you.
Protect your brain
The research is clear: What you eat has a big impact on your brain. In fact, the right foods – and combinations of foods — can enhance memory, build new brain cells and even help ward off Alzheimer’s.
The foods that are best for bigger brains and better memories include olive oil, green tea and leafy greens (broccoli, spinach and kale). Each of these antioxidant superfoods help fight inflammation.
Beets. tomatoes and avocados — dark-hued foods — help ensure that your brain receives the blood it needs to stay sharp. Nuts (especially walnuts) curcumin and pomegranates are also good for you as are fish, blueberries, grapes, coffee and dark chocolate. These nutrient powerhouses have been shown to increase protein that supports the growth of new neurons.
Exercise, exercise, exercise
A new study adds to evidence that light strength training – also called resistance training — may be key to maintaining a healthy brain. Because of the way strength training pumps blood to the brain, some researchers now think it goes beyond the benefits of aerobic exercise and helps preserve brain health as we age.
If you have not done any strength, resistance or weight training lately, it is never too late to start. Talk to a physical therapist before you start a new exercise program.
Feeling lonely is dangerous for your brain health. Lonely older adults are not only more likely to experience declines in mobility and physical limitations, they are also more likely to have memory problems and at higher risk for dementia. Studies have found that loneliness increases the risk for early death by 45 percent.
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