Staying Healthy Over the Age of Sixty-Five

More than 26% of the households in Blytheville, Arkansas have a resident who is 65 years or older. This means that about one in every four households inhabits a senior citizen. One of the biggest threats to the health of these senior citizens is injuries from falls. The National Safety Council (NSC) states that falls are the leading cause of injury and hospital visits among the elderly. These falls can lead to serious injury, disability, and even death. In 2002 alone, nearly 13,000 people over the age of 65 died as a result of fall related injuries and an additional 1.6 million went to the emergency room for the same reason. The first step to preventing these injuries is to address overall health factors that may have an impact on the prevalence of falls.

An important health factor for people of all ages is regular exercise. And for those who are above the age of 65, exercise is just as important now as it was at any other time in their life. Being involved in a regular exercise program will provide numerous health benefits but most of all it will help to improve balance, coordination, and strength among the elderly. These improvements can significantly reduce the risk of falls and resulting injuries. To get involved in a regular exercise program for yourself or someone you know who is over the age of 65, check out your local hospital. Many hospital fitness centers provide exercise classes specifically for older adults to target common areas of weakness.

Another important health factor for older adults that can help to reduce injuries from falling is to visit the doctor regularly. The doctor should be aware of all the medications being taken as some may cause sleepiness and/or dizziness that can contribute to the risk of falling. People over the age of 65 should also have their vision checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Uncorrected poor vision can greatly increase the risk of falling.

In order to keep the elderly free of injuries, it is important that both the elderly and their caregivers are educated on ways to be healthy and prevent the occurrence of falls. This education will allow older adults to be more independent in activities of daily living and can lead to a longer, happier life.

Written by: Katie Cunnane