Elders' Fear of Falling

Elders' fear of falling may not be just a fear during the winter months.

As elders prepare for the winter months, sometimes the cold weather can be enough to slow  anyone down. Generally, if someone has fallen or injured themselves, they develop a fear of doing it  again. While it is okay to fear injury and make yourself aware of your surroundings, what most people  don’t realize is they will limit their physical activity more than just increasing their awareness. This in  turn can cause you to actually lose your muscles because “If you don’t use them you lose them!” Your  risk of falling is increased as your balance and mobility decrease. Some ways to stay active when it’s  cold outside is to exercise in your favorite chair at home or exercise at your kitchen counter. 

Some Tips for at home exercise: 

1.) Tai Chi videos  

2.) Use Strength Bands  

3.) Chair exercise videos (All available through the Injury Prevention Program) 

4.) Practice NOT holding on to furniture and the wall while walking through your house 

The Injury Prevention Program is located in the Public Health Nursing Department at the AST Little Axe Clinic. We are currently recruiting AST elders 55 and older for fall prevention project. We  would provide you with a one on one balance assessment with our Physical Therapist, medication reviews, home safety assessment, fall  prevention home education as well other services. Our mission is to help our elders remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible. Let us give you the tools to stay active and mobile!  

For more information please contact Sacha Almanza, IP Coordinator 405.701.7981