The Science of Aging Well: How Your Beliefs Affect Your Health
However, in the past year, each of them has started using a walker because of a fall. Our mothers experienced different injuries related to their falls and also had very different reactions to using a walker. For my mother, life is more enjoyable because she’s less worried about losing her balance with a walker. My wife’s mother, however, dislikes using a walker and is intent on ending her need for it as soon as possible.
Multitasking: Why Women Fall More Often
The CDC reports that woman over age 65 fall more often than men. But, why?
Women have hormonal, muscle, and overall health differences that are often cited for falling more often. But, controlled research studies of older women and men has shown that women have a greater risk of falling when they are multitasking. When engaged in activities, women display a variability in gait that increases the chances to trip or stumble compared to men.
Once You Have a Walker, You’re Likely to Fall Again
I never thought about walkers until we spent time with our moms. Most everything they do takes more attention and time. Yet, despite having walkers, each has fallen at least once again – luckily with minor injuries. Those additional falls are common. Every day, hundreds of Americans older than 65 are treated in emergency rooms for injuries resulting from falls using walkers and canes. Most of those falls are from using walkers and approximately 78% of those walker-related injuries happen to women.
Falls Are Not a Normal Part of Aging.
Falls cause injuries such as broken bones and head injuries. But the injury that results in most hospitalizations is hip fractures. And because women fall more often than men, they account for three-quarters of all hip fractures. However, the CDC makes clear that falls are not a normal part of aging and there are things anyone can do to prevent falls. Most importantly, you’re never too young to start. Leading the list is to start a regular exercise program.
What?! Being More Active Leads to More Falls.
Studies show that active seniors are more likely to fall simply because they are creating more opportunities to fall. That’s not surprising of course. More activity at any age increases the possibility of falling. However, many elderly people avoid activity because of a fear of falling. This raises the question of choosing a “safe sedentary” live vs. a more active life. As you can guess, the benefits of being active outweigh the negative health outcomes of being sedentary.
How to Overcome the Fear of Falling
A big difference between my wife’s mother and mine is their level of activity. My wife’s mother has always been physically active is currently exercising with the goal to stop using her walker. My less active mother, while generally healthy, came to quickly ‘love’ her walker because she’s less afraid.
For anyone who wants to become more active and reduce the possible need for or use of a walker or cane, the CDC makes these recommendations:
- Ask a doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who can evaluate and recommend activities and ways to do them safely.
- With approval from a health care professional, start an exercise plan that emphasizes strength, balance, and mobility. Tai chi is particularly effective for people with concerns about falling. People who are not willing or able to leave their homes may wish to investigate classes on a local cable channel or purchase a commercial video.
- Instead of avoiding activities that make you nervous, start small and take it slow. For example, visit the mall for a brief but manageable amount of time—around 15 minutes—when it isn’t crowded. Use a cane or walker if your health care provider recommends it. Work up to longer periods, and rest as needed.
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