How do you feel about falling?

Posted by Steph-Words That Fly @stephcarney, Jan 7 9:05pm

In the last two winters I've had two falls. The first was a series of three falls on an icy trail within 15 minutes resulting in a badly sprained wrist that took a looong time to recover from. Now I'm terrified of the ice or even slippery new snow, so I have four different sets of micro spikes.

Early last spring I fell down the steps (indoors) carrying my ailing dog to let her out in the middle of the night. She was fine. I was badly bruised in multiple places. Now, no socks on steps, carry only one thing and hold the rail. I manage steps very carefully.

I am paranoid about falling. Maybe I should practice falling correctly! What are your thoughts about falling? What do you do to prevent falls?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

@nemo1

It’s scary. Falling and everything that makes that happen. I had bad falls too. I need grab bars installed in the shower. I hug the walls and move very slowly. You are right. When it happens fast, there is no way to prevent it. All we can do is like when we are defensive drivers, defensive movers. Safety in the new year.

Jump to this post

I am at the point where I “move with a purpose “ and think about the whole trip from point A to point B and back. My driving philosophy is “Arrive alive” and now that is also my walking strategy. lol

REPLY
@imallears

You have received helpful advice from those who replied to your question. I am 82 and have been attending a senior active class 3 times a week for 10 years in addition to daily 2 mile walks. My gym teacher, who is 83 now, has a mantra. Don't fall. We do balance, stretching and core strength using bands, weights etc. We have practiced scenarios in class that when and if you do fall, you should be able to get up on your own. So my advice is to practice your balance, keep your core strong so you are able to help yourself if you do fall. If you can find a senior class in a gym near you or a balance class somewhere, I would advise you to learn more about it and go, if you can. You will meet people your age (I don't know how old you are ....just assuming you are not a youngster).

Situational and self awareness is such good advice especially as you age. You have to keep your body strong and your core strong and you can do that with proper exercise. This is so important for everyone. People my age who do have a fall usually end up in rehab or the hospital and many don't ever leave.

Eat healthy, maintain a decent weight, stay aware and move, move move.
FL Mary

Jump to this post

@iamallears
You are such an inspiration, starting with your clever name. I was just talking to my wife about your post and we both agree “you are saving lives”, starting with ours. Thank you and God bless you.

REPLY
@captboat

I am at the point where I “move with a purpose “ and think about the whole trip from point A to point B and back. My driving philosophy is “Arrive alive” and now that is also my walking strategy. lol

Jump to this post

That is good thinking. Thank you for sharing! Every step I’m mindful until I get to where I need to be, mostly when I’m having problems/flares etc.. I have not driven since 2021. I’d like to return to it but am unsure. I wanted to go into an empty parking lot and see how it is. I live that. “Arrive Alive” !

REPLY
@captboat

I am at the point where I “move with a purpose “ and think about the whole trip from point A to point B and back. My driving philosophy is “Arrive alive” and now that is also my walking strategy. lol

Jump to this post

@captboat That sort of awareness is key, and I love the catchy phrase Arrive Alive! Never underestimate the power of intention!

REPLY
@captboat

I am at the point where I “move with a purpose “ and think about the whole trip from point A to point B and back. My driving philosophy is “Arrive alive” and now that is also my walking strategy. lol

Jump to this post

That gave me a chuckle. I have 3 short steps (two-sided) with only a rail on the outside, to get to my front door. It is interesting to see my friends approach - some walk around to the back side, to hold on with their right hand, others come up the front.

Almost noone comes up without the rail, each of us has either experienced or witnessed "The Joy of Falling." When entertaining, I stand on the landing and hand trays down to be placed on the patio table, which I learned the hard way after tripping on a step and dropping a tray of 12 margarita glasses (fortunately they were still empty!)
Sue

REPLY

That is exactly why we are downsizing and moving to a little place with no stairs. Or can you move your sleeping area to the first floor? Do you have osteoporosis? I am close to 76 now. Fell down and broke my shoulder 2 years ago the doc told me pets, stairs, throw rugs and electric cords were the greatest risks. Do you have one of those bracelets/necklaces with a notification button if you fall. Make sure you are exercising and building strength. Take care.

REPLY
@edsutton

Hazel and Hava assist with Dianne's PT exercise:

Jump to this post

Great photo. By the way, my corgi noodle was the culprit. I fondly remember him licking my face before the paramedics arrived. He is a great buddy otherwise. I just have to remember to keep an eye open for him as I walk along.

REPLY
@sueinmn

That gave me a chuckle. I have 3 short steps (two-sided) with only a rail on the outside, to get to my front door. It is interesting to see my friends approach - some walk around to the back side, to hold on with their right hand, others come up the front.

Almost noone comes up without the rail, each of us has either experienced or witnessed "The Joy of Falling." When entertaining, I stand on the landing and hand trays down to be placed on the patio table, which I learned the hard way after tripping on a step and dropping a tray of 12 margarita glasses (fortunately they were still empty!)
Sue

Jump to this post

@sueinmn With awareness, we're all capable of finding accommodations that keep us safe. Any other life style modifications others have learned to use in order to remain healthy, active, and happy?

REPLY
@gravity3

That is exactly why we are downsizing and moving to a little place with no stairs. Or can you move your sleeping area to the first floor? Do you have osteoporosis? I am close to 76 now. Fell down and broke my shoulder 2 years ago the doc told me pets, stairs, throw rugs and electric cords were the greatest risks. Do you have one of those bracelets/necklaces with a notification button if you fall. Make sure you are exercising and building strength. Take care.

Jump to this post

@gravity3 Great ideas and suggestions. I think that eventually I will wish for a first floor bedroom, but that's not in the cards for now. So, I try to be cautious, make multiple trips rather than carrying too much, one hand on the rail, and one on the wall when possible.

REPLY
@stephcarney

@sueinmn With awareness, we're all capable of finding accommodations that keep us safe. Any other life style modifications others have learned to use in order to remain healthy, active, and happy?

Jump to this post

SHOES! Not flip-flops, open-back Crocs, stocking feet or bedroom slippers. Real shoes (or sandals) that fasten on the feet, and worn tied or buckled. Or slip-ons that really stay on. Or bare feet on safe surfaces. I have given up my beloved Teva flip-flops after too many almost-falls. And although my grandkids take great joy in sliding around our hardwood floors in their socks, I fear I would break something if I crashed like they do.
Walking aids - I use hiking poles for trekking on uneven ground even in some parks with rough paths, and my friends who are unsteady also use them, or canes.
Sue

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.