The Connection Bernards-Ridge Edition Dec 2019-Jan2020

PAGE 68 Spotlight on Seniors theconnectionsnj.com A recent article in the Star- Ledger spoke of the increased number of reported falls by sen- iors, and it made me more aware than ever that day-to-day activities can become very dan- gerous as we age. Aside from the reality that stairs have seri- ous harmful potential, just mov- ing in the wrong way can have devastating consequences. The above-referenced article spoke of fall prevention, and I am certainly grateful for the reminder that being cautious is of primary concern. Going up on ladders or even step stools, walking too quickly on uneven pavement, carpets with pulls or defects, and rugs that can lift or catch a foot are all obvious dan- gers. Additionally, some medica- tions also make seniors prone to loss of equilibrium, drowsiness and vision problems. Since we cannot watch our parents 100% of the time, and even aides hired to do so, can- not accomplish that feat, we need to work on fall prevention continuously. It is never too early to practice balance with plenty of support, and a chair at the ready. Muscle strength training is very important to help anchor unsteady movements, as well as catch oneself as they are falling. Ironically, thinner, more wai- flike seniors frequently lack the stamina to recover from a fall, as well as tend to have less “padding” to prevent fractures. Having a diet rich in protein and beneficial carbohydrates can bolster our parents if a fall is in their future. Traumatic brain injuries and hip fractures from falls lead to steep health declines. They seem to cause a tripling of deaths in the past few years, rising to more than 25,000 deaths yearly, according to the Journal of the American Medical Association. This is, of course, due to older people living longer, living longer independently, and living with chronic conditions. Prevention, prevention, and prevention seems to be the key as our parents live longer. Their bodies need to move, but using a walking support device is very important. Insisting it be used is something we can do, and should do for their own good, as well as for the benefit of oth- ers. This does not diminish their independence, it actually allows them to be involved in activities, socialize, and stay safe. None of us wants to see our parent fall. If necessary, we have to take steps our parents don't want us to. Because sadly, we cannot put a band aid on their cuts or scrapes and make it all better, as they did for us! SENIORS NEED HELP TO AVOID FALLS By: Ellyn Mantell Call today to set up your private tour. 877-395-1715 Your Life, Your Plan, Your Life Plan Community Living well is easy at Fellowship Village. Here, you’ll enjoy maintenance-free living, farm-to-table dining, a variety of amenities to encourage a robust social calendar and good friends to share great times with. After all, living well is the best kind of wellness. You’re going to love our approach to “wellness.” ways to live well. 8000 Fellowship Road Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 FellowshipSeniorLiving.org Welcome Wednesdays Open House 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.