Staying Upright this Fall

Graceful and ever-changing, the summer slips into fall and fall into winter. However, with the inevitable approach of winter, ice, and snow–so does unintended contact with the ground. Older adults in Minnesota experience over 29,900 falls per year causing over 600 deaths. However, much unlike the inevitable change in seasons, falls can be avoided. Here are some tips to avoid future falls and injury¹:

1. Reduced Muscle Strength²
   Amongst scientific studies, muscle weakness has been found as a consistent risk factor for falls amongst the elderly. Unlike the hibernating bears and squirrels, it is important to remain active throughout the colder seasons in order to maintain muscle strength and physical fitness.

1. Decreased Activity³
   We tend to become less active in the colder months, and with this decreased activity comes decreased strength (see bullet #1 above), decreased balance, and decreased stability in one’s lower extremities. Older adults who report being sedentary have an increased risk for falling.

1. Fear of Falling⁴
   Fear of falling actually increases the risk of falling. It is thought that those who have a fear of falling tend to be more sedentary which then increases their risk of falling (see bullet #2 above). On top of this, having a fear of falling increases one’s likelihood of having to enter a healthcare facility and loss of independence.

Are you concerned about any of the points listed above? Whether you feel like you have lost some strength or you are fearful of falling, ExercisABILITIES can help! Give us a call at (507) 259-7570 to schedule an appointment! We are located in northeast Rochester at 2530 North Broadway Avenue.

Sean Thomez, SPT

1. https://www.fcnntc.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/MN-Falls-Fact-Sheet.pdf
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18711425/
3. https://www.healthinaging.org/blog/physical-activity-reduces-your-risk-for-falls/
4. https://adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/older-adults/fear-of-falling