Research shows that more than one out of four older Americans, ages 65 and above, experience a fall each year, and 3 million older people treated with fall injuries are medical emergencies. Falls also are responsible for 95% of hip injuries. In addition to injury, a fall can result in unwanted outcomes, including loss of independence and decrease quality of life.
Visit How to Avoid a Fall: 5 Tips to Support Quality of Life to learn more and start living with confidence and the support you need to get healthy and stay healthy.
Many factors contribute to increasing the risk of falls. Regular physical activities that include endurance, muscle strengthening, and balance activities can reduce your risk of falling and fall-related injuries. Choosept.com found that according to the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, physical activity, including exercise, reduces falls by 13% to 40% in community‐dwelling older adults.
PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN FALL PREVENTION.
A physical therapist can help you reduce your risk of falling by:
- Assessing your risk of falling.
- Creating a personalized plan of care that works for you.
- Improving Balance
- Improving Muscle strength
- Improving Endurance
According to the American Association of Physical Therapists (APTA), “Many things can lead to falls, especially as we get older. Poor eyesight, loss of balance, and certain medicines are a few common causes. Not having enough strength or flexibility, poor footwear, and clutter in the walking areas at home also cause falls.” There is hope. Evidence-based research shows that with a bit of work, the right plan of care, the risk of falls can decrease.
