Throw rugs are a tripping hazard in many homes, says K-State aging specialist Erin Martinez.
K-State aging expert shares tips for preventing falls
More than 1 in 4 older Kansans will experience a fall in any given year, Martinez says
At a glance: Many falls can be prevented. K-State Research and Extension aging specialist Erin Martinez shares tips for making areas in and around the home safer for older adults.
More information: Erin Martinez, 785-532-5510, erinmartinez@ksu.edu
Related: Keys to Embracing Aging (publication series): Aging 101 | Physical Activity | Stress Management | Positive Attitude | Tuning in to the Times
Sept. 2, 2024
By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Included in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s sobering statistics on injuries and death in older adults due to falls are four very important words.
Falls can be prevented.
In fact, Kansas State University aging specialist Erin Martinez says that the Sunflower State’s extension service invests a great deal of its resources on programs that help older adults increase their confidence in staying upright.
“Preventing falls is something that we want to be talking about routinely and raising awareness because statistics show that 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year,” Martinez said. “In Kansas, it’s even higher – 29.9% of adults experience at least one fall every single year.”
National statistics bear out the fact that an older adult is seen in an emergency room every 11 seconds due to a fall. “It’s just mind boggling the amount of falls that we experience in this country,” Martinez said.
The National Council on Aging recognizes September as National Falls Prevention month in the United States, including Sept. 22 as a single day to raise awareness, and Sept. 23-27 as an entire week to do so.
Martinez said that 1 in 5 older adults who fall will experience a serious injury, such as broken bones or a traumatic brain injury. She notes that 88% of emergency room visits for hip fractures are due to a fall.
“Often, we are seeing things contributing to falls that we can address ourselves,” Martinez said.
“If we’re feeling dizzy or not right, then we need to go to the doctor and perhaps review our medications and possible side effects. Or maybe we’re losing body strength or balance, and then there are things around your house that you can change.”
Around the home, Martinez says older adults and their loved ones should consider such tripping hazards as throw rugs, furniture, dark areas around the yard, uneven cement, extension cords and more.
“It’s a good idea to do a home safety checklist,” she said. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a list available online, as do other organizations.
Martinez said grip bars to aid in getting in and out of the shower are among the assistive equipment available. Solar-powered lighting in the yard is also a benefit when needing to outside after dark.
But, she adds, one of the best fall prevention ideas is a good balance and exercise program.
“K-State Research and Extension offers many classes around the state,” Martinez said. “One of the key programs is called A Matter of Balance, which looks at fall prevention and teaches the participants exercises, tips and tricks on how not to fall around your home and community.”
Two other programs, she notes, are the Stay Strong, Stay Healthy program, and Walk With Ease.
“There are a lot of options for education and engagement in Kansas, as well as beyond our state,” Martinez said.
Timely publications and more information on programs available from K-State Research and Extension are available at local extension offices.
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K‑State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well‑being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K‑State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu. K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.