HEALTHY LIVING ASSESSMENT


Reduce Risk for Dangerous Falls


F


alls are the leading cause of injury- related death among adults 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.


U.S. emergency departments record nearly 3 million


visits each year due to falls. The American Public Health Association (APHA) called falling among older adults an “urgent national public health crisis.”


IMPROVE STABILITY


Review medications annually. There are many medications that can influence balance, particularly those that contribute to a drop in blood pressure upon standing or that aff ect one’s alertness or thinking, according to Richard Marottoli, M.D., medical director of the Dorothy Adler Geriatric Assessment Center at the Yale New Haven Hospital. “Some of these, such as


antihistamines with anti-cholinergic properties found in certain cold or sleep aids, may be available over the counter. So if you have any questions or concerns make sure to ask the pharmacist or clinician,” he advises.


Get vision and hearing checked.


Poor vision doubles the risk of falls in older adults. Seeing clearly is important for avoiding potential obstacles or trip hazards. An Australian study found that older


people may increase their risk of falling if they wear multifocal glasses when walking in unfamiliar environments, particularly outside the home. “Progressive or multifocal lenses


can be tricky to adapt to when you first get them and particularly on stairs, as you have to get used to how to focus appropriately as your head position changes,” notes Marottoli. A 2020 study published in JAMA


Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery found that hearing problems can impair balance, especially in seniors. It’s


88 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | APRIL 2025 2 3 4


Move one foot forward so that the instep is next to the other foot’s toes.


Return to the original position, then place one foot in front of the other, heel touching toe.


Return to the original position, stand on one leg and then the other.


You should be able to hold each position for at least 10 seconds. An inability to hold the third stage and the fourth stage (balancing on one leg) signifies an increased risk of falling.


These tests can prevent serious injury. BY LYNN C. ALLISON


Falls can be prevented, say experts, with regular health


screenings for hearing and vision loss, neurological disorders, metabolic issues such as diabetes, and physical fi tness. As we age, we lose muscle strength and fl exibility, and


our senses become less sharp. Staying abreast of these changes and working to correct them can help maintain independence and stability in our senior years.


important to get both vision and hearing checked annually or every two years. Focus on building strength and


balance. Let your doctor know if you are having trouble with balance or experience a fall. Physical therapy can be prescribed that will help you learn how to correct or compensate for what’s causing instability


TEST BALANCE


Take this four-stage balance test, says geriatric medicine specialist Richard Marottoli, M.D. “It’s important to have a chair, sink, or another person nearby in case you lose your balance when trying this test,” he cautions.


1


Stand in place with your feet side by side.


and improve your balance. You may need an assistive device such as a cane or a walker. Ask your doctor about getting a


home safety evaluation that includes a check for trip hazards, installation of railings or grab bars, and training in using assistive devices in the home environment.


TEST ICON/KHOLIFAH FROM NOUN PROJECT


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100