Approximately 60 seniors listened intently as Barbara Walling, a Soroptimist and co-chair of the Orange County Down with Falls Coalition and Outreach Director for the University of California Irvine Senior Health Center, explained how to avoid falls in the home and elsewhere.
Handouts included a fall prevention checklist, a fall risk assessment pamphlet and illustrated instructions on how to get up from a fall.
The lecture and handouts were well received by the seniors, and hopefully, will help them avoid future falls.
An Attendee's Perspective
It was so informative and lots of things to think about that you might not otherwise consider.
Afterward, one lady just raved about the great information we'd heard.
Some things I ha
dn't considered before that can make us fall are:• Reactions to medicines might make us off balance
• Our hearing lessens as we grow older and sometimes we can be startled when a person or animal comes up on us from behind
• Sight is also an issue because, of course, we don't always see as well as we should.
Things to be aware of:
• Knowing the environment is especially important for us as we age:
Realize leaves are falling from trees where we generally take walks,
Be aware of sidewalk cracks, tree roots, blossoms and other debris,
It's best to walk with a friend.
• Always hold hand rails
• Slow down when carrying heavy things
• Be very watchful of your's and others' pets
• Take a minute right after you get up to be sure you're steady
• Be more mindful of cords and rugs in your home
• Know how to get up when you fall is very important
Baraba Walling also shared a website that can give other great information www.downwithfalls.org.
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