According to a recent alert from the City of Fort Worth, the harsh reality is that 'every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall,' which is quite the sobering statistic if we're being honest. And with more than one in four older adults reportedly falling every year in the U.S. – that overconfidence in one's balance might not be well-placed. The National Council on Aging is stepping up efforts to combat this, by holding an event where older adults can assess their fall risk, reported the City of Fort Worth.
Falls are preventable. This is the message the National Council on Aging plans to impart at the Northside Community Center, located at 1100 N.W. 18th St., tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They're promoting '6 steps to prevent a fall,' which includes finding a good balance and exercise program, talking to your healthcare provider about fall risk, reviewing medications, getting annual vision and hearing checks, making homes safer, and family discussion. It's a holistic approach, one that underscores the various factors that contribute to falls and how addressing them could keep you on your feet.
For those who got a sense of déjà vu reading those tips, you're not alone. Similar advice has been circulating for ages, yet the statistics remain stark. Falls are not an isolated issue, and as pointed out, are not just a seniors’ issue. The repercussions ripple out to family members and communities at large. It's interesting to note that the National Council on Aging also advocates for individuals to take their Falls Free Checkup, a simple yet perhaps life-altering step.
