A recent study shows that slips and trips are NOT the main cause of falls amongst the elderly. No, it is more likely to be a case of loss-of-balance. In the study published in The Lancet, it was found that 75% of seniors in the long-term care facility studied had walkers or wheelchairs, but only 20% of them were being used at the time of the mishap. Other findings - improved flooring materials can reduce the impact of injury from falls by as much as 35%, and 25% of falls occurred over the legs of tables and chairs. The biggest danger time, the study found, is the transition between getting up from beds and chairs, or sitting down (times when walkers and wheelchairs are not in use). The good news is that medical providers are studying when and where falls happen, and how care providers can assist in the avoidance of injury. Read more about the study: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/10/17/163093536/loss-of-balance-is-leading-cause-of-falls.
Father Phil used to say that one of the secrets of his success (he lived to age 97 1/2) was that he had mastered the art of falling. He fell over rugs (which he removed), in worn out slippers (which he begrudgingly replaced), when turning quickly (easy does it!), going down stairs (which forced his family to urge his move to assisted living), and in getting up or sitting down ("Don't rush me! It takes me a little while to do things!!"). He repeatedly demanded the medical profession find out why he felt so dizzy all the time (many answers were proffered, but none was effective). His spirit reminds us that perseverance, patience, and old-fashioned stubbornness may be necessary assets in old age.
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