Every day this week through Friday, we will raise awareness and debunk a myth about older adult falls, courtesy of the National Council on Aging. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, and many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they're not. Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk.

Fall Prevention Myth Buster #1: The reality is that falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Day 2

Every day this week through Friday, we will continue to debunk a myth about older adult falls, courtesy of the National Council on Aging. Many people think if they limit their activities, they won’t fall. Actually, the opposite is true.

Fall Prevention Myth Buster #2: The reality is that performing physical activities will help you stay independent because your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Day 3
The third myth to debunk, with advice from the National Council on Aging, is that staying at home can help prevent falls in older adults.

Fall Prevention Myth Buster #3: Truth be told…over half of all falls take place in the home where many hazards can exist. It’s easy to fix simple but serious traps such as clutter, throw rugs and poor lighting. Other more involved home modifications include adding grab bars in the shower, a second handrail on the stairs and non-slip paint on outdoor steps. All these can be helpful in reducing potential falls.

Day 4
Many people think they don’t need to check their vision or medications regularly. However, the National Council on Aging advises that both these practices can make a difference in reducing potential falls.

Fall Prevention Myth Buster #4: The truth is that vision usually declines in older adults, and with visual impairment people are twice as likely to fall compared to others. Make a yearly appointment for an eye exam and update your glasses whenever necessary. With medications, those that make you sleepy or dizzy can literally knock you off your feet. Talk with your healthcare provider to understand what side effects may occur and follow up if necessary to discuss how the medicine is affecting you.

Day 5
Many people think that muscle strength and flexibility cannot be regained or even maintained. According to experts, including the National Council on Aging, this is a common misconception.

Fall Prevention Myth Buster #4: The facts are that exercise can restore strength and flexibility. Even if muscle mass declines with age, it is still possible to become more active and start an exercise program. Exercise and movement have many benefits, including protection from falls. Putnam County’s Office for Senior Resources offers several physical activity programs to reduce risks related to falls. These include three evidence-based fall prevention programs including A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi for Arthritis, Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) and  . These programs developed and tested at universities and have demonstrated that participation can reduce fall risk. If you are interested in learning more or in getting help in assessing your individual fall risk, please call them at ( 845) 808-1700.