September is Senior Falls Awareness Month!
September 22 is Fall Prevention Awareness Day.
For resources and additional information, go to:
The National Council on Aging Center for Healthy Aging

PREVENTING FALLS IN IDAHO

Fit and Fall Proof (FFP), is an exercise-based fall prevention program for older adults available throughout Idaho. Using a combination of federal and state dollars, Idaho's Physical Activity and Nutrition Program works with the seven public health districts to administer the program. 
 
Fit and Fall Proof was developed by college professors from Boise State University and the College of Southern Idaho. Exercise classes focus on functional fitness to reduce the older adults' risk of falling. Local volunteer leaders are trained to teach classes in their communities, which are typically held in senior centers, community centers, churches, libraries, hospitals, and other places seniors gather. 

FFP Classes Enable Older Adults to:

• maintain an independent, freely functioning life-style
• improve muscular strength
• achieve gains in flexibility, enabling older adults to reach and to bend
• increase balance and posture 
• improve mobility, endurance, and walking gait

How FFP Classes Work:

• Most classes are offered for free or at low-cost
• Classes meet two to three times a week for 45-60 minutes 
• Classes continue for six to ten weeks, some are offered on an ongoing basis
• Participants are encouraged to do a "Timed Up and Go" test on the first and last day of class to evaluate their progress

We're growing! Fit and Fall Proof continues to expand in Idaho, with over 70 active class sites in October, 2008.  In the year starting October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008, more than 1,770 Idaho adults participated in at least one session of Fit and Fall Proof classes.

Evidence-Based Research: Terry-Ann Spitzer-Gibson; Ph.D., Professor of Kinesiology at Boise State University and one of Fit and Fall Proof's developers, has concluded a controlled research study of the Fit and Fall Proof program curricula and has written a final report for inclusion in peer-reviewed journals and periodicals.

Unintentional falls affect one in three adults 65 years of age and older, at least once each year.

Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury deaths among Idahoans aged 65 and older.  

Falls are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries (such as fractures of the hip, spine, forearm, and leg) and hospital admissions for trauma. 

More than half of all accidental injury deaths to the 65-plus age group were due to accidental falls (CDC, 2009).

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), many people who fall develop a fear of falling which may cause them to limit their activities.  However, being less active leads to a reduction in moblity and physical fitness, which increases ones actual risk of falling (CDC, 2009).

WHAT CAUSES FALLS?

Most falls among older adults are the result of lower body weakness and problems with walking and balance. Other risks for falling include:

Taking four or more medications a day:

• Side effects and interactions can occur when taking multiple medications and can affect balance.   
• Side effects and interactions include: dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, weakness, irregular heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, or other unexplained health problems. 

Taking medications for anxiety, depression, mental illness, etc. 

• These medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of balance.

Visual impairments: 

• Common eye conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, which impair vision and can lead to loss of balance and falls. 

Chronic health conditions:

• Such as arthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes.

HOW CAN FALLS BE PREVENTED?
Exercise programs have shown success in preventing falls among older adults. Many program have shown improvements in balance, strength, felxibility, and edurance. Other successful methods to prevent falls include:  

Home safety inspections:

• To remedy potential trip hazards, such as loose rugs and cords, slippery surfaces, unsafe stairwells, etc.

Installing safety devices:

• Such as grab bars, railings, and improved lighting.

Vision checks:

• At least every two years, have your vision checked to catch and manage eye conditions early.

Medication reviews:

• Regular reviews by your physician or pharmacist will help eliminate any possible side-effects or interactions of medications.

Annual medical check-ups:

• To stay up-to-date on your health conditions and self-management and have any health questions answered by your physician.