Why Fall Prevention Matters and How to Get Started
If you are an individual above 65, you may have experienced or worried about a fall at some point. Unfortunately, there is evidence that as we age our risk for falls does increase. However, we do not all age at the same rate, not do we have the same risk for falls. You may have heard of fall prevention, but what is it and how can it help? Learn why fall prevention matters and how to get started!
For instance, once you become 65 you do not all of a sudden become 2x more likely to fall or anything like that. Ultimately, each individual has their own unique risk factors caused by their age, gender, various diagnoses, among many other factors. These varying factors can cause us to range on a scale from low, moderate, or high risk for falls.
Fall Risk Quiz
Find out more about your fall risk level by taking our quiz. Determining your level of risk is a great first step to reducing your risk for falls. There are many ways to reduce the fall risk even above 65 and with various diagnoses. Most falls are a result of multiple factors as opposed to one single factor.
What Can Fall Prevention Do?
So why should you be concerned? Aren’t falls just a part of life? Honestly, a fall can happen no matter what type of preventative measures you take. BUT there are interventions that can be completed to drastically reduce your risk for falls and ultimately maintain your independence.
Falls are associated with increased risk for injuries, decreased mobility, increased stays in nursing homes, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and even death. Falls can be detrimental to one’s life and well-being. This is why it is best to take action to prevent them.
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What is a Fall Prevention Program?
There are many different kinds of fall prevention programs. Some address strength and balance, while others focus on mindset. For example, A Matter of Balance is an 8 week program designed to focus on reducing one’s fear of falling. The OTAGO Program is a 6 month to 1-year program combining a walking with various balance and strength exercises to reduce one’s risk for falls. A fall prevention program’s goal is to reduce the likelihood of a fall. Most of the top programs guarantee a reduction in fall risk of typically 30-35% based on the National Council on Aging research.
Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Programs
There are many programs supported by both the National Council on Aging and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All of the programs that they support are heavily researched and evidence-based. This means that they rooted in data and statistics vs simply opinion.
A few of these programs include:
Stay Safe Stay Active, Erlangen Fitness Intervention, A Matter of Balance, OTAGO, Stepping On, and many more.
What are the Benefits of a Fall Prevention Program?
The programs vary due to their different goals and presentation. However, they are typically led by a trained instructor and monitored for quality. Some will focus more on gaining strength in the legs and improving balance. While others will focus on home modifications.
Among the many identified benefits that fall prevention programs have, they also can have overall health benefits. This could be weight loss, increase in activities, improved mood due to an increase in exercise, or even reduction in risk for diabetes.
Fall Prevention and How to Get Started
Now that you know the many benefits of fall prevention programs you can see why you should get started with one today! Ultimately, a fall prevention program involves a lifestyle or behavior change but the incredible part is that a professional will lead you through every step of the way.
The CDC recommends over 40 programs focused on various needs such as balance, home modification, and education. With the many, many programs available it can be difficult to determine which is the most effective and appropriate for your needs.
Your best course of action is to begin incorporating walking, standing exercise, and challenging balance activities. Want a free guide on how to get started and a weekly fall prevention tracker? Subscribe to our email list and we’ll send it to you, along with our fall prevention guide for older adults!
Why not try a proven program?
The HCSU Fall Prevention Program works with your current skill level to begin your exercise program at a level that is tolerable to you. Led and monitored by licensed therapists specifically trained in balance and fall prevention. Reduce your risk for falls in just 3 months.