6. Taking medication doesn't increase my risk of
falling. Well, even though your doctor
ordered the medication, it may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many
different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when
starting a new medication. If you're not able to read the fine print that comes on those flimsy warning sheets, be sure to ask the pharmacist about potential
side effects or interactions of your medications. Then, act on #7!
7. I don’t need to get my vision checked every year. Truth is that vision is another key risk
factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that
increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than
twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes
checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low
vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist
for a referral. You can hide wrinkles behind glasses, did you know that?
8. Using a walker or a cane will make me more dependent. Walking aids are very important in helping
many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you
use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to
you and instruct you in its safe use.
9. I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m
concerned about my risk of falling. I
don’t want to alarm them. They may want
me to go to some home or another. Now
don’t go all grouchy on me here. Fall
prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone
else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility
and reduce your risk of falling.
10. This is something you should read aloud to your kids, grandkids or a
younger friend: "Don’t be afraid of hurting
my feelings if you want to talk about my possible risk of falling. I’ll probably go all grouchy again, but we
love each other and even if I don’t show it, I’ll be glad you care enough to
talk to me. After we have a
conversation, we could go to the theatre and listen to a lounge singer, OK?"
Ah Youth..."it's wasted on the young." or so intoned the lounge singer.