Sometimes the internet just gives us great resources. I traveled from this NPR article Simple Ways to Prevent Falls in Older Adults to the referenced CDC website of resources for caregivers and older adults re: preventing falls. Materials for Older Patients
The whole medication and low blood pressure issue talked about in the NPR article really hit home for me. I wan't an "older adult" but I had an acute heart problem that led to big blood pressure drops when I stood up (all fine now) and fortunately I didn't fall. My FIL wasn't so fortunate and fell quite a lot in his final years due to rapid blood pressure drops when he stood up.
Please take a look and pass on this information and resources!
It's not just old people who experience this. When my niece was in her teens her blood pressure would fall quickly when she stood up. Still does decades later but she's learned how to talk her time getting up.
ReplyDeleteSo true. I had to learn to stop and sit or stand holding on to something until to wooziness passed.
DeleteLast Thursday, I attended a Stay Steady class at the community centre. I was younger than most of the people but it is being proactive.
ReplyDeleteThat is great to do! The NPR article recommended Tai Chi and I think those balance classes use a lot of the same moves. The one here is always full.
DeleteThese are excellent. I hope to sneak in some hints to my mom who resists using a cane or walker but is unsteady on her feet. She wants to keep doing everything so she will maintain her abilities (good idea) but is not always good at defining her outer limits.
ReplyDeleteI took a sample Tai Chi class and will definitely return when I am no longer working. The focus was on balance and stability for everyday living. I'm glad I found out such classes exist! (My mom can't attend, though, because she lives in a rural area with limited access to services).