Aging comes with a variety of unique quirks, oddities, and issues, but falling and fall-related injuries are at the top of the list of concerns. In the United States, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries. According to a compiled list of fall-related statistics by the National Council on Aging (2023), 1 in 4 Americans over age sixty-five fall every year. Additionally, every eleven seconds someone over age sixty-five is treated in the emergency room for fall-related injuries and every nineteen minutes someone dies from a fall-related injury. In other words, falls are responsible for more than 3 million ER visits and more than 32,000 deaths annually. The fear of falling can lead to reduced activities, physical health decline, social isolation, and depression.
Factors Contributing to Fall Risks:
- Physical Factors: Age-related changes in vision, balance, and muscle strength can increase the likelihood of falls. Chronic health conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, and Parkinson's disease can also impair mobility and balance, making individuals more susceptible to falls.
- Environmental Hazards: Cluttered living spaces, inadequate lighting, slippery floors, uneven surfaces, and lack of handrails or grab bars significantly contribute to fall risks.
- Medications: Certain medications, particularly those that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in blood pressure, can increase the risk of falls.
- Lifestyle Factors: Sedentary behavior, lack of physical activity, and poor nutrition can weaken muscles, decrease bone density, and compromise overall health, thereby increasing susceptibility to falls.
Falling, fall-related injuries, and a fear of falling do not have to be a guaranteed part of aging. Falls can be avoided through lifestyle changes and participation in evidence-based fall prevention programs. A Matter of Balance (AMOB), an eight-session evidence-based fall prevention program, has been specifically designed to help seniors aged sixty and older reduce their fear of falling and increase activity levels. Many older adults who develop this fear often limit their activities, which can result in physical weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. Activities are conducted in two-hour sessions once a week over an eight-week period. AMOB addresses physical, environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors associated with falling along with introducing evidence-based exercises. Attending an AMOB course significantly reduces the risk of falls and helps improve quality of life for aging individuals.
Rains County AgriLife is hosting A Matter of Balance. This eight-session program will be held every Monday from 10:00 am -12:00 noon, April 1st through May 20th at the Rains County AgriLife Extension office, 410 Tawakoni, Emory, Texas 75440. Please join us if you are concerned about falls, have fallen in the past, have restricted your activities due to falling concerns, or have an interest in improving balance, flexibility, and strength.
If you or someone you love has experienced a fall or has a fear of falling, call the Rains County AgriLife Extension office at (903) 473-4580 to reserve your spot. Space is limited. This program is open to all and is free of charge.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.
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