Fall-safe tips to keep kupuna injury free

For most people, tripping and falling is a minor incident. For kupuna, the consequences can be much more severe. Every year in Hawaii, more than 5,250 seniors visit the emergency room, and nearly 1,800 are hospitalized due to injuries from falls. Sadly, these injuries are fatal in 82 kupuna on average per year.

Seniors don’t need to think of it as an inevitable result of aging. Examining both physical and environmental factors affecting seniors will help to prevent falls.

Be aware of physical factors

As we age, medications and health conditions can begin to affect our body in ways we don’t often notice. Seniors, ask your physician whether any medications you are taking have side effects that can make you tired, dizzy or confused, or affect balance and reaction times.

You should also be aware of health problems that may increase your risk of falling. Declining vision is a common part of aging, but having your eyes checked and your glasses prescription updated annually can easily address many vision problems. If you have inner ear disorders, or soreness that causes you to limp or shuffle as you walk, avoid walking when your symptoms hinder your balance.

Create a safe environment

Kupuna, family members and caretakers all play a role in making sure the home environment is safe. Dim lighting, cluttered rooms, tangled cords and loose rugs are potential trip hazards that can be easily addressed. Store clothing, food and supplies you use often where they are easily accessible. Invest in cordless appliances and night lights. Family members should avoid leaving clutter, backpacks, toys and other hazards where grandparents walk.

Improve strength, balance

Seniors in good health should aim to engage in activities that improve balance, flexibility, strength and coordination. Low-impact exercises such as walking, water workouts or tai chi can help.

For those with limited mobility and balance issues, regular exercise may be difficult or even increase the likelihood of a fall. Your physician may suggest physical therapy as a way to gain muscle strength or improve balance. Kaiser Permanente offers modified exercise programs, such as chair yoga and tai chi for fall prevention.

Caretakers’ crucial role

Caretakers should consider what environmental changes may help seniors move around comfortably and safely, whether it’s moving seniors from an upstairs to a downstairs bedroom or using a cane or walker. Preventing falls is a team effort that requires the cooperation of everyone in the family, from keiki to kupuna.

Visit the National Council on Aging at ncoa.org/falls-prevention or kp.org for resources on healthy aging and fall prevention.

Dr. Serena Lo is a geriatrician at Kaiser Permanente Honolulu Medical Office.