Lee Jenkins Moss, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi and member of the Club, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at the Club’s May 28, 2019, meeting about Fall Prevention. She presented many facts about falls and their prevalence in older people. Her first point was that whenever you work, you need a partner. The key fact is “working together prevents falls.” Likewise remaining active will prevent falls..Falls are the number one cause of death among seniors.
The following are other key points Ms. Moss made in her presentation.
Why do we fall:
Lack of activity
Lack of awareness of our surroundings
Lack of routine
Lack of Technology
Medication affects
Our living environment
How often do we fall:
One-half of people over 65 have fallen
75% of adults over 80 have fallen
Those who have fallen will fall again
An instant response to a fall is critical for recovery
Falls cause head injuries:
Falls are the most common cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI accounts for 50% of the fatal falls among older adults
Adults 75+ have the highest rate of TBI related-death
Fear of Falling:
Limited physical activity leads to reduced mobility and increased weakness
Significantly increases fall risk
Often leads to depression and reduced quality of life
Can cause further loss of function, feelings of helplessness and social isolation
Consequences of fall-related injuries:
Loss of mobility
TBI
Rapidly declining health
Hospitalization
Elevated near-term mortality
Escalation to a nursing home
Why do we want to keep you independent longer:
Nursing homes are not where you belong
Nursing homes are more than double the cost of staying at home
Abuses are regularly reported at nursing homes
60% of nursing home residents have no visitors each year
Cognitive, physical function, and health rapidly decline there
You live in a beautiful community at your home
We care, and you deserve better
Clutter causes falls:
If you are over 65, you are at risk
There are numerous traps from cords, carpets, magazines and 24 categories of items that can cause falls
You need to schedule a home safety inspection today.
Risks of _Poly-Pharmacy”
Taking multiple medications
Taking meds that aren't yours
Purchasing your meds from different pharmacies
Vision problems - you don’t see the hazards
A decline in hearing ability
The number one reason that people fall is due to a lack of physical activity that leads to loss of physical function. So why aren’t seniors more active? There are numerous benefits from physical activity:
Increased health and disease prevention
Bone, joint, and muscle strength
Increased functionality
Increased mental health and quality of life
Those who state the lates have the most to gain
It is critical that we all increase our leisure and recreation, including increased physical activity and getting out more. Don’t just sit around watching TV. Health, happiness, and security are the Goal!.
When you fall, it is critical that you respond instantly to assure safety, recovery, and independence.
Remember: It’s not how long you live, but how long you live well!
We thank Lee for her presentation. It is critical to our Club with its large number of older members!