DON’T FALL THIS FALL!
3 TIPS FOR FALL PREVENTION
IMPROVE YOUR HOME Your home just might be your biggest threat when it comes to falls, so improve it with a few changes! Install grab bars and railings on steps and in the bathtub for extra support. Grips on the bottom of the
September marks the start of fall , but it also serves as an important reminder about falling .
Falling is one of the greatest dangers seniors face. As adults age, take more medication, and lose some mobility, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay upright or regain balance — even when tripping over the smallest object. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 out of 5 falls cause serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries. Falling can also increase a senior’s chance of falling again. But for as common as it may be, falling doesn’t have to be your norm. You can lower your risk of falling and injury with a few simple steps. MOVE MORE Your body was designed to move! When you don’t move your body enough, which can happen when you age, your muscles and joints can become weak and stiff. The best way to strengthen your reactions and improve your balance is to move your body. A physical therapist can help you develop a routine that targets your balance while strengthening your muscles and joints.
bathtub and on slippery surfaces can give you a secure footing, while lighting along the hallway and in stairwells can better illuminate walkways. Even something as simple as moving a table or decor item out of the hallway can be beneficial! REVIEW YOUR MEDICINES Sometimes medication can influence balance and movement. Talk with your doctor about the side effects of your medication and adjust accordingly. You may need to consider alternatives, but if that’s not possible, physical therapy can provide assistance. It’s designed to help you improve your balance and get stronger — which can lower your risk of falling.
You can learn more about fall prevention and risks online at CDC.gov.
TECH DEVICES ANYONE CAN USE Not Tech Savvy?
Technology has grown leaps and bounds over the last few decades. Devices that are considered commonplace now such as tablets, smartphones, and video calls used to be nothing more than science-fiction that you would only see on “Star Trek.” With new advancements and technology growing so rapidly, it can become easy to fall behind. You may have even bought a device in the past that became overcomplicated right away. Luckily, several devices on the market provide the same luxuries as top-of-the-line tablets but without any unnecessary hassle. THE GRANDPAD The GrandPad is much more than a tablet; it’s also a service. It provides a dedicated customer service representative who can answer any
questions about the device 24/7. The GrandPad itself includes unlimited photo and video storage, ad-free music streaming, and the ability to have Zoom video calls. On top of the added benefits, the GrandPad has the same standard additions that other tablets have, such as a camera, the ability to browse the internet, and games perfect for all ages. The tablet itself is not too pricey, but the service is a monthly subscription with prices varying depending on features. APPLE IPADS If you don’t need the service or added benefits of the GrandPad, you really can’t go wrong with an iPad. Apple designs their devices to be user- friendly, which makes them perfect for just about everyone. If you’re looking for something portable and customizable without being too
complicated, iPads are the best option. The iPad Pro 9.7 is probably the best bang for your buck, as it is one of Apple’s most affordable tablets and has the ability to connect to the Apple Pencil and official keyboard cover. It’s great for business and pleasure! KINDLE FIRE HD Before tablets were the rage, plenty of people had Kindles. Amazon has continued to perfect the device so it can compete with larger, more powerful devices. It is easily the most affordable tablet on the market, often selling for under $100 when on sale. The Kindle Fire HD includes Alexa, Amazon’s built- in assistant that can help troubleshoot issues with the device. There’s a device made for everyone, so you should never let age or ability stop you from using modern technology.
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