Loss of strength in aging – it’s a slippery slope

BY COURTNEY HENDRICKS, HR Professional & Fitness Enthusiast

Each year, more than 2 million older Americans go to the emergency room because of fall-related injuries.

While there are a variety of factors that can make one prone to slips and falls, mobility and balance are key in preventing them. When bodies age, the natural cushioning around joints deteriorates. Combined with decreased amounts of physical activity, reduced muscle tone, and varying health histories, careless falls are almost inevitable.

First, let’s talk about some research behind the statistics:

• 30 percent of people over the age of 65 fall at least once a year (and half of those people are likely to fall again)
• Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in older adults
• Women fall more often than men
• Many elderly people fear breaking a hip when they fall, but studies show that head injuries also have deadly consequences, and in fact account for half of all fall-related deaths

So what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen?

• Start by fall-proofing your home! Get rid of throw rugs, extension cords, and other obstacles that can easily cause slips and trips
• Use a non-skid bathtub/shower mat
• Use handrails on all staircases

But even if you take all the right precautions, accidents still happen. And that’s where the knowledgeable experts at Franklin Rehabilitation can help. Franklin Rehab’s physical therapists are armed with techniques that can help you keep your balance, maintain your mobility and keep you from recurring injury.

Personalized assessments are the first step. We will perform a complete evaluation that focuses on total wellness as well as fall prevention. Our programs are tailored to your specific body and needs, and we will never push you beyond your comfort level. We feel that patient education—understanding the WHY—is just as important as what happens after you leave our office. By combining exercises designed to improve balance, flexibility and overall strength, we give you practical methods to keep your body in a much safer and more confident state.

Balance exercises can help prevent falls and avoid the disability that may result from falling. You can do balance exercises almost anytime, anywhere, and as often as you like. Our therapists will give you several practical moves to assist you in regaining your stability and help avoid fall-related accidents.

The positive effects of physical therapy can be felt rather quickly, and are quite remarkable. Sometimes it can be as easy as regular stretching and low impact exercise, such as walking or biking. However, if there are more complex health issues, such as previous injuries, weight gain, or vision or hearing problems, it may require a more comprehensive treatment program. Regardless of individual situations, our therapists will give the proper attention and care to each and every patient. We’ve all known someone who has fallen and may not think it could happen to us. By taking smart and measured steps to prevent it, we can become empowered to live a more safe and independent life.

(Resources: mmpt-hcpt.com; www.mayoclinic.org)

To learn simple exercises to remain strong in aging years, feel free to contact us at (414) 425-9700 for a free screening.