Aging and Injuries

As we age we have to keep in mind that our body is not as resilient as it once was. Even if we are healthy it seems that aging and injuries go together for some people. The 75 and older group have more injury related deaths than any other age group and people that are 65 to 74 follow a close second. These injuries can be from hip fractures associated with falls, circulatory problems and respiratory problems.

As we age we could have things happen that is due to the process of aging such as bad eye sight, an increase in the susceptibility to glare, poor blood circulation that result in dizziness, changes in the way we walk and our reflexes’ can be reduced when we need to catch ourselves if we fall. This all adds to the factor of injuries as we age.

There are ways we can reduce the danger of injuries and all it takes is a little common sense. We have to prepare for this part of our lives like we prepare for any other part that we have lived through. If you have stairs in your home always be mindful where you are placing your feet on the steps. This will probably take a little more time than you like but it can pay off big time by not falling. Mark the top and bottom step with a bright tape so it will make you aware when you start using the stairs your feet will go where there suppose to. The tape will also help to improve your perception of the stairs. Tape will help but there is nothing as safe as having handrails on both sides of your stairs. This is the safest way to keep using your stairs as you age.

Other ways we can help prevent falling is if you are bringing items up and down your stairs don’t over load your hands and arms, just carry enough that you can keep one hand free in case you do fall. Always wear sturdy shoes around your home to give you good balance when you’re walking. Remove any loose mats on the floor. This will also remove a tripping hazard. If you have to have a rug in a certain place make sure it is taped tightly to the floor. It may not be how you want it to look but it could save you from a nasty fall.

We all know the hazards of the bathtub but this is something you can make safer too. It takes as little as installing non skid strips to the bottom of the tub and attaching some grab bars to the wall. These are excellent for getting in and out of the tub and reduce your chance of falling tenfold.

The kitchen is another place that needs attention when it comes to danger of falling. Here you can rearrange your dishes and pots and pans so they are easily accessed by you. Don’t ever stand on a chair or ladder to retrieve something from a cupboard. Don’t wear loose clothing when you are using the stove, they can easily catch on fire if they are near a burner. Always have enough smoke detectors around your house and keep them in working order even if you have to get someone to come and check them for you.

Water temperature is another hazard that is not often thought of but can give you a very nasty burn. Have your water temperature set at warm, never hot. You can adjust this by turning down the temperature on your heating boiler and running your water over a thermometer. If it is to hot have it readjusted until you can get a temperature that won’t burn you when you’re using it. This will be good for taking baths also, even if you forget to turn on the cold water with the hot it would be safe to get into. With care we can all avoid falls and hopefully look forward to our 100th birthday!