1. Understanding
BALANCE
& Fall Prevention

2. “Because I haven’t died yet!”
When Cab Calloway was asked what his secret to longevity was
(on the occasion of his 85th Birthday):
“Because I haven’t died yet!”

3. This presentation can improve your life!
Working together we can:
Dramatically reduce your risk of falls and injury
Improve your mood and add joy in a matter of days
Begin a process to boost your confidence and peace of mind
Help keep you INDEPENDENT!

4. Not necessarily TRUE!!! SUCCESSFUL AGING
Much of what is attributed to aging is due to inactivity and/or chronic diseases related to inactivity
To a large extent we have bought into the old tale that by aging we have a loss of functionality and independence.
Not necessarily
TRUE!!!

5. For EXAMPLE…..
Take a look at
Marjorie Newlin
Can you guess her age
in this photo?

6. She also did it because she wanted to be as independent as she could
Marjorie Newlin
“Miss Marj”
started training
at the age of 72!
She did it for her CAT!
She found it harder and harder
to lift those bags of kitty litter
in the market.
She also did it because she wanted
to be as independent as she could
FOR AS LONG AS SHE COULD!

7. Fatal Falls happen more than you think!
Did you know???
Falls are the #1 cause of
accidental death among seniors
Falls are frequently preventable
DENIAL
causes reluctance to stop falls

8. Why do we fall?

9. How common are FALLS? 1 of 3 adults over 65 will fall
50% of ALL adults over 80
2/3 will fall again
Instant Response to a fall
is critical to recovery

10. Hip Fractures Immediate Emergency Response
will increase the chance of fracture recovery
More than 30% of adults who fall will suffer a hip fracture
After 50 the rate of hip fractures doubles
every 5 years
Only 38% will regain independent mobility
Only 25% of hip fracture patients will make a full recovery
Hip Fractures

11. Adults 75+ have
the highest rate of
TBI-related death

12. Immediate Emergency Response Reduces the anxiety and fear of falling
Limits physical activity
Limited physical activity leads to
reduced mobility and increased weakness
Significantly increases fall risk
Can lead to depression and reduced
quality of life
Can cause further loss of function, feelings of
helplessness and social isolation
Immediate Emergency Response
Reduces the anxiety and fear of falling

13. Consequences of fall related injuries
Loss of Mobility
Traumatic Brain Injury
Rapidly Declining Health
Hospitalization
Elevated near term mortality rate
Escalation to a nursing home
Immediate Emergency Response
will reduce the possibility of long term debilitation

14. Take
Control
of Your
Health
Here are
6 Steps to
Prevent
a Fall

15. Why do we want to keep you
Independent longer?
Because nursing homes are not where you belong
Nursing homes are more than double the cost
Abuses are regularly reported at nursing homes
60% of nursing home residents have NO VISITORS each year
Nursing home residents are often restrained as fall prevention
Cognitive and physical function and health rapidly declines there
Because you live in a community with friends
BECAUSE WE CARE!
AND YOU DESERVE BETTER

16. Clutter causes falls! Schedule a home safety inspection today!
If you are over 65 you’re at RISK!
Take precautions….
There are numerous traps from
cords, carpets, magazines and
24 categories of items that can cause falls
Schedule a home safety inspection today!

17. Other Risks Poly-Pharmacy Vision Problems Taking Multiple medications
Taking RX meds that are not yours
Getting meds from different pharmacies
Visual impairment elevates fall risks by 2X
Depth perception loss causes falls
Poor vision impedes balance awareness
Reduced vision prevents you from avoiding hazards
Vision challenges can be signs of other problems
Vision Problems

18. Hearing affects Balance
Other Risks
Poly-Pharmacy
Vision Problems
Hearing affects Balance
Balance depends on signals from 3 systems
eyes – legs/torso- inner ear
As many as 30% of deaf people have balance problems
A 25 decibel hearing loss increases fall risk 3X
Every 10 decibel loss increases fall risk 1.4X

19. Lack of physical activity The #1 Reason People FALL!
leads to loss
of physical function
And don’t just DREAM
about it!

20. Fall PREVENTION through education Home safety inspections
SOLUTIONS
Fall PREVENTION through education
and awareness
Home safety inspections
Reduce impact of falls
through physical activity
Use affordable technology to summon
instant help during emergencies

21. Has exercise become a dirty word?
So………….
If we KNOW this,
why aren’t more
people active?
Do we have it wrong?
Has exercise become a dirty word?

22. What it is really about is Physical activity and Having FUN!!!
Numerous Health Benefits:
Increased health and disease benefits
Bone, joint and Muscle strength
Functionality and daily activity
Mental health and quality of life
Those who start the LATEST have the MOST to gain!

23. OPTIONS Put down the TV remote!!!!
Walk
Jog
Golf
Dance
Stretch
Swim
Tennis
Get out more!
Put down the TV remote!!!!
Park farther away

24. Health Happiness Security
HELP
Security

25. Thanks for your time and attention
This is not
THE END
Hopefully,
it is a new beginning!