Fall Prevention in the Elderly

Falls are a seniors worst enemy, causing emotional trauma, fear, and of course injury. Bones become more brittle for women after we reach menopause and for men, as they reach their sixth decade. Protection and prevention are the best ways we can manage this potential for disaster as we age.

In the home, it is important to remove all loose floor coverings and throw rugs. While these may be employed to keep the floor warm and add a touch of personality in the home, this is the number one cause of trips and falls in the home. Toes or assistive devices easily catch edges of rugs and little can be done to stop the fall that ensues. Maintaining space between furnishings is also a challenge, especially as we may move into smaller dwellings and do not get rid of our 'treasures'. Uncluttered areas are best as we age and become less nimble and flexible.

One of the least expensive and easiest protective measures seniors may take to prevent falls is to exercise. Not only for emotional well-being, but it is a stated fact that fit muscles and adequate balance prevent more than 50% of falls in the home.

Seniors need not pay exorbitant gym membership prices to attain or maintain their peak physical condition either, most Senior Centers and gyms offer classes geared to the senior population such as Tai Chi, Fit n' 50 classes and so forth. Just call your local Senior Center of Chamber of Commerce for information on what your community may offer. If transportation is a problem, there are myriads of VHS or DVD's available at local libraries and on the Internet that offer exercise routines geared to seniors. These are available for rent or purchase to use in the privacy of your own home. As a safety precaution though, always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise programs.

Prevention and protection from falls can be simple, affordable, and possible. Take the first and most important step and maintain your body's strength, balance, and flexibility in order to provide your body with a safe and comfortable environment.

Elders, Take A Bow

Hats off to Today’s Elders

When thinking about this current age population, speaking of those 60 years old or older, it may seem that we are losing a whole generation of experience. From the 1940’s to today, the average age of our grandparents now, to the present, has been one of the most changing and exciting three decades to have lived.

From the Great Depression to the end of World War II, the New Deal and the emergence of women outside the home in the work world, which changed the condition of the American family, changing it from nuclear to intergenerational as it is today. Not only has the increasing advanced in television, radio, and medicine that have been unparalleled in our time, but the advancement of the life span so that centenarians are no longer ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. On the heels of these changes came The Korean War and the 60’s. Parents burning bras and performing sit- ins, the ‘free love’ generation that were their children. The invention of microwaves and ham radios x-rays and MRI’s continued to lead to what is now the Internet, the gateway to the world. That this generation has adapted to all these changes and much, much more proves what a strong generation we come from.

The next time you look at your grandfather or grandmother and think they do not know what is going on in today’s world, think again. Maybe you feel that they are ‘out of touch’ or old-fashioned, but think about what they have survived, adapted to, changed with, and you will look at the wrinkled faces and wish you were half as strong as they have been. Our senior citizens are our legacy. Stong, competent, and inspiring. Treasure and love them. We are their legacy.

Nursing Homes and the Aging Population

Nursing Homes and the Aging Population

For decades, the word ‘nursing home’ has evoked dread in the senior population. In our contemporary times, the average age of admissions into nursing homes has increased from an average age of 81 years in 1985, to 83 years old in 1997. Current statistics reveal the average age now has reached 86 years. No longer are nursing homes dark depressing endless halls of wheelchair bound elderly. The current culture change has changed the face of nursing homes into beautifully designed rehabilitation and long-term care facilities.

Step down units provide 24-hour care for the sick and injured whereas before seniors were relegated to inpatient hospital stays with little freedom and personalized care. Facilities in most cities now cater to the blooming ‘boomer’ population, with gyms, private rooms with state of the art televisions as well as chefs providing 6 meals daily from an upscale menu that could potentially compete with hotel menus.

Two of the most common reasons for admittance into a nursing care facility are incontinence and loss of mobility. Families/caregivers faced with these issues become hard pressed to meet the needs of elder relatives especially when careers, children and time away from home prevent caring adequately for their loved ones. When one care need is the issue, help may be available to family members, but once two or more issues complicate the care or more assistance that is physical is needed, nursing home admittance although a painful decision, may be the only answer.

Changes Women Face in Middle Age

What Can I Do Now?

As baby boomers age, they are faced with many dilemmas that cause stress and possible depression. Seniors have been accustomed to a fast pace, with the ability to go places our parents never even heard of, been part of an electronic revolution with the advent of the Internet, and have typically been able to accomplish any goals they have wished, also due in part to the age of electronics. College courses geared for seniors allow new career goals to be attained no matter what the age.

Senior women may be faced with several challenges at once; the ‘empty nest’ syndrome, children leave to start college and new families , a spouse may become ill or die, and a woman’s place in the home and community takes a sudden turn and leaves women reeling with imagined or real fears and concerns.

Aging women have the freedom to accomplish more than there mother’s were able. Volunteering in your community remains a viable and much needed option. However, while volunteering rewarding, it does not earn money. Senior women may find employment as mentors, childcare deliverers, companions, and a myriad of other ‘second or third’ career options. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce, hospital, or schools for more information about the needs that may be present in your community. Studies show that maintaining activity increases the life span and maintains mental health.

Changes are frightening in themselves; arm yourself with weapons of life and purpose.

Senior Vacationing

Senior Vacationing With a Purpose


Seniors today have been used to an active life, full of travel to many previously out of reach places. Once the ‘boomers’ hit retirement age, how can they continue to feel a part of society? Once the lifelong purpose of going to work is no longer present, seniors may face depression, feelings of worthlessness, and boredom.

There is an answer for all the emotional needs seniors still face. One of the most exciting events in our lives can still be attainable. Studies have shown a healthier outcome for those aging ‘with a purpose’ and those that volunteer. Combining travel with humanitarian purpose can create fulfillment, joy, new friendships, and a sense of well- being, (these are the basic needs of all human beings).

Senior vacation groups now travel to poor countries or areas where climate caused disaster has occurred. Contact your local Social Services office, or visit the web and look up the key words senior, vacationing, and volunteering, for example. Life does not need to stop with retirement. Get up, go out there, have fun, and help others. Stay healthy, stay happy, and stay alive.

Preventing overmedication mishaps

One of the most common mishaps that may occur in senior health care is the high incidence of over-medicating. Several factors may be responsible for these errors, but they can be prevented with a little bit of preparation. It is a well know fact, that as we age, seniors may take up to three medications for one disease diagnosis.

The first preventative action an individual may take is to write all prescriptions down on an index card and make enough copies to disperse to one's physicians. With contemporary medical specialties it is common for seniors to have as many as two or three doctors, maybe more. By taking responsibility to ensure that they all have the same information, seniors may save time, money, and potential medical complications or emergencies.

If you end up in the hospital unexpectedly, especially seniors, make sure a family member or friend has a current list of all your medications to present to your doctor, (he may not be your family physician). This list can then be checked against current treatment plans to ensure you do not experience adverse side effects, toxicity, or worse. Upon discharge, check the list of medications you are being discharged with to ensure that they are not duplicates of something you already have.

Another preventitive seniors can take is to also learn and list the generic as well as the brand name of their medications on your index cards. Some prescription plans dispense medications by generic names to save money and these can easily become confused with other drug names. Elicit the assistance of your local pharmacist for this information. They will also upon request, provide you with a list of the reason for a drug you are taking, as well as side effects, interactions, and things to avoid while receiving them.

With a little planning and communication, it is possible to avoid medication errors and preserve your health, allowing as much freedom from complications as possible.