Page 19 - Senior Times South Central Michigan May 2023 - 30-05

Senior Times - May 2023
Page 19
REDUCE FALL RISK
By: Sherii Sherban, Publisher
Each year, millions of adults 65 and older fall. According to the CDC, more than 25% of aging adults fall each year, but less than half tell their doctor.
Falling once doubles your chances of fall- ing again and increases the fear of a repeat fall. As a result, aging adults may choose to avoid everyday activities. And if they’re less active, they’ll become weaker, which then increases their chances of falling.
You can take steps to reduce your risk if you know how:
a support system as well as accountability and motivation. If necessary, get fitted for an appropriate walker, cane, or other assistive device, and use them.
Experiencing decreased strength – Muscle loss starts very early, around age
30. In older adults, less muscle means less strength and weaker bones. To reduce risk, encourage safe, regular exercise to build strength, balance, and flexibility. Try programs targeting the mature adult such as Senior Fit and Fun.
Many aging adults become less active and fall into a negative cycle where less activity leads to reduced strength and balance. That leads to even less activity as their physical abilities keep declining. The good news is that it is rarely too late to get started in a new direction. An organized exercise class may be the best way to get started. Check out the senior center near you.
This is serious because falls are a leading cause of lost independence and ability. Aging adults often aren’t able to recover fully from the trauma, their overall health declines, and their care needs increase significantly.
Weaker sense of balance and loss of flexibility – Many body systems work togeth- er to keep us standing upright. Age and health conditions make seniors less flexible, especial- ly in hips and ankles. This stiffness increases the likelihood of falling. Age-related changes and medication side effects can also make it more difficult for seniors to stay balanced. Regular exercise will be beneficial. Try a Matter of Balance program offered near you.
Why is fall prevention so important? Because falls cause serious injuries. In older adults, falls typically cause broken bones and head injuries. They’re also the leading cause of death from injury, often from traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Sadly, the gradual physical changes of aging add up to increased fall risk for older adults. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls. They include: • Lower body weakness.
• Vitamin D deficiency.
• Difficulties with walking and balance.
• Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sed-
Declining eyesight – Vision helps us keep our balance and avoid obstacles. As vision worsens, so does the ability to stay upright and clearly see what’s in our path. Treat or manage vision problems. Vision programs are offered through CareWell Services, as well as other area millage programs. You can also take steps to make the home safer by decluttering key areas, improving lighting, and making safety updates.
Even worse, after an older adult falls,
lying on the floor for a long time or getting
up incorrectly could cause additional injury – even if they weren’t seriously injured from the fall itself.
atives, or antidepressants. Even some over- the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.
If a fall does occur always assess injuries before moving. Adults should only consider get- ting up if they’re not injured or dizzy from the fall. They should also feel that they have enough strength to get up on their own.
If you find that your older adult has been injured in a fall, don’t move them – that could make their injuries worse. Instead, call 9-1-1, keep them as warm and comfortable as pos- sible, and wait for emergency responders to arrive.
• Vision problems.
• Foot pain or poor footwear.
• Home trip hazards or dangers such as broken
Decreased endurance along with declin- ing ability and desire to walk – Not being able to endure physical activity like standing or walking for a reasonable amount of time increases fall risk. Exercise will help to build strength. Continuing to walk will improve strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance for older adults. Walking with friends provides
or uneven steps, and throw rugs or clutter.
Most falls are caused by a combination
of risk factors. The more risk factors a per- son has, the greater their chances of falling. Healthcare providers and direct care workers can help cut down a person’s risk by reducing the fall risk factors listed above.
SENIOR DINING CENTERS
CITY
Hastings Woodland
Battle Creek Battle Creek Battle Creek Marshall Tekonsha
Jackson Jackson Napoleon Spring Arbor
LOCATION
COA Building Eagles Club
FACILITATOR
Theresa Lancaster Leona Rairigh
PHONE
(269) 948-4856
(269) 367-4041
DAYS TIME *Not All Sites Open - Call First M-F 10am-2pm
BARRY COUNTY*
Delton
Faith United Methodist
Angela Soya
(269) 579-3918
M,W,T
11am-1pm
Nashville
Main St. Banqets
Jenny Burlison
(517) 213-9212
M-F
10:30am-1pm
M,W,F 10:30am-1pm
Meals provided by Barry County Commission on Aging. A program sponsored by Barry County United Way.
BRANCH COUNTY*
Coldwater
H&C Burnside Senior Center
Amy Duff
(517) 279-6565
M,T,Th
11:30pm
Meals provided by Community Action Food and Nutritional Services. Funding sources AAA 3C, Branch County United Way, USDA, and private donations.
CALHOUN COUNTY*
Albion
Clarence Township Dining Center
Mark Rice
(866) 200-8877
M,T,W
11am-12pm
Lunch served at 11am
Bedford Manor Dining Center Lakeview 900 Territorial Dining Center Westbrook Place Dining Center Heritage Commons Senior Center
Tekonsha Fire Station
Billy Castle Karl Hoard Michelle Dove Jen Rice
Senior Health Partners
(866) 200-8877 (866) 200-8877 (866) 200-8877 (269) 558-6150
(269) 441-0948
M,T,W,Th,F M,W,F M,T,W,Th,F M,T, Th
T
10:30am-12:30pm 10:30am-12:30pm 10:30am-1pm 12-1pm
10am
Lunch served at 11:30am Lunch served at 11:30am Lunch served at 11:30am Lunch served at 12pm
Senior Fit & Fun, Lunch after
Battle Creek
Cherryhill Manor Senior Center
Constance Siegel
(866) 200-8877
M,T,W,Th,F
10:30am-1pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Battle Creek
Springview Towers Dining Center
Eileen Worthington
(866) 200-8877
M,T,W,Th,F
10:30am-12:30pm
Lunch served at 11:30am
Homer
Homer Presbyterian Church
Senior Health Partners
(269) 441-0948
T
10:30am
Senior Fit & Fun, Lunch after
Marshall
Marshall House Dining Center
Deb Trescott
(866) 200-8877
M,W,F
10:30am-12:30pm
Lunch served at 12pm
All sites have hot and cold meals. Meals provided by Senior Services SW MI. Funding by Calhoun County Senior Services, CareWell Services - AAA 3B, USDA, and private donations.
JACKSON COUNTY*
Grass Lake
Grass Lake Food With Friends
Annie Lavergne
(517) 788-4364
T, Th
10am-3:30pm
Lunch served at 12pm
Crouch Senior Center
King Rec Center, Food with Friends Napoleon Township Hall
Spring Arbor Senior Center
Laurie Mead Laurie Mead Laurie Mead
Laurie Mead
(517) 788-4364 (517) 788-4364 (517) 788-4364
(517) 788-4364
M,T,W,Th,F M,T,W,Th,F T, Th M,T,W,Th,F
8am-4pm 10:30am-1:30pm 10:30am-1:30pm
9:45am-1:45pm
Lunch served at 12pm Lunch served at 12pm Lunch served at 12pm
Lunch served at 12pm
Jackson
Park Forest
Laurie Mead
(517) 788-4364
M,T,W,Th,F
10:30am-1:30pm
Lunch served at 12pm
Michigan Center
St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church
Laurie Mead
(517) 788-4364
M,W,F
10am-2pm
Lunch served at 12pm
Norvell
300 Mill Street
Laurie Mead
(517) 788-4364
M,W,F
10:30am-1:30pm
Lunch served at 12pm
To have your senior dining center added or changes to your listing, Call Sherii at (269) 979-1479 ext. 2 or Email: ssherban@scenepub.com.