Leading cause of Death over 50

Posted: March 14, 2018

Falling down is one of the most common reasons for injuries, and death, as people age. Last I checked….we are ALL aging.
Unfortunately, this statistic is for those OVER 50!!

It’s so common and costly, that there are now “Fall Prevention” classes at most hospitals and senior centers.

According to the National Council on Aging…

Falling down is the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. … In 2014, the total cost of fall injuries was $31 billion. The financial toll for older adult falls is expected to increase as the population ages and may reach $67.7 billion by 2020.(1)

So, the question is this, how likely YOU are to fall?

You are more likely to fall if:

You are not active.
You are overweight. (more than 20 pounds to lose)
Are not sure footed and balanced.
Cannot go up and down stairs easily.
Cannot balance on one leg.
Cannot get up and out of a chair, unless using your arms.
Live in a dark home, with steps and rugs.
You take medication.
Are not aware of your “connection to your body”. (I will explain this later).

How do you prevent falls, and prepare your body so that you either never fall, or if you do, you get up with just a scrape or bump?

*Stay active.

*Put on muscle with functional strength training.

Practice balancing moves. Hold onto a railing or counter to start, then practice balancing on one leg.

*Practice Yoga or Pilates.

*Do something more than walking. Strength and muscle loss starts after 30. So if you are not in a program to get stronger….you ARE getting weaker and setting yourself up for a fall, and even weight gain.

Take the stairs often.
Practice getting up and out of a chair without using your arms. NOW, try doing it on one leg.

*Put more lights in your home, and outside, or wherever you have steps or stairs. Keep walkways and hallways bright. Uneven paths are hazardous and hallways with rugs can be slippery or unstable and a leading cause of falling down.

*If you take medication, know the signs and effects,  and if you feel dizzy, tell someone and sit down.

*Hydrate your body well. Dehydration causes weakness, dizziness, and lethargy.

MOST OF ALL. PREPARE YOUR BODY FOR THE FUTURE. HIRE A TRAINER, OR GO TO A STRENGTH TRAINING CLASS AT A LOCAL GYM OR YMCA.

I am speaking of getting balanced, confident and with an erect posture that keeps you tall, and aware of your body and it’s surroundings.

We all have heard the story. “she fell and broke her hip, ended up in rehab, and died from pneumonia”.
Or, “he had to move into a nursing home after breaking his leg because he couldn’t live in his home with stairs”.

Don’t let that be you or someone you love.

Get strong and balanced so that you can enjoy a long and vital life, free from pain, nursing homes and others taking care of you.

(1)https://www.ncoa.org/news/resources-for-reporters/get-the-facts/falls-prevention-facts/

If you have not already checked out my follow along workout plan that you can do at home…that will give you balance, strength and great posture(even if you are too tired and have little time….CLICK HERE)

 

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