Age is no barrier to staying active!
It has been suggested that as we get older, we should slow down, take it easy and do less – but the reality is, the more we do, the better we feel.
To keep our physical and mental health, we need to stay active.
Regardless of your age, ability, weight, or health condition, you can still be active in some way. The fact is, you are never too old to start!
2020 – Healthy and Active What’s On Calendar – a Very comprehensive selection
http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/active-healthy-active-ageing-31314.html
Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they’re not. Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk.
To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths—and the reality—about older adult falls:
Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.
Reality: Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the truth is that 1 in 3 older adults—about 12 million—fall every year in the U.S.
Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.
Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.
Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.
Falls prevention: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/falls-prevention/
https://www.caring.com/articles/preventing-falls
Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.
Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.
Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.
Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.
Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.
Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.
Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.
Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.
Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.
Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.
Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling. Yes, Really!
Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it’s none of my business.
Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, finding a fall prevention program in the community, or setting up a vision exam.
Tips to reduce your risk of falls
See your GP
Lighting
Slipping
Tripping
Structural hazards
SOURCE: Modified from Queensland Health Stay on Your Feet®
------------------------------------ ----------------------------
Recharge points for powered mobility devices
We have partnered with Recharge Scheme Australia to provide a city-wide network of designated, free to use power points for people to safely recharge the battery of their powered mobility device.
Free Recharge Points™ are now located at:
Click to enlarge
To become a designated ‘recharge point’ complete the Recharge Scheme application form.
For more information contact the Safe and Liveable Communities Branch by email [email protected] or phone 07 5581 6642.
Mobility scooter use
For information about mobility scooters in Australia and safe mobility scooter use visit the Product Safety Australia website.
It has been suggested that as we get older, we should slow down, take it easy and do less – but the reality is, the more we do, the better we feel.
To keep our physical and mental health, we need to stay active.
Regardless of your age, ability, weight, or health condition, you can still be active in some way. The fact is, you are never too old to start!
2020 – Healthy and Active What’s On Calendar – a Very comprehensive selection
http://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/community/active-healthy-active-ageing-31314.html
Many people think falls are a normal part of aging. The truth is, they’re not. Most falls can be prevented—and you have the power to reduce your risk.
- Exercising,
- managing your medications,
- having your vision checked,
- and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.
To promote greater awareness and understanding here are 10 common myths—and the reality—about older adult falls:
Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.
Reality: Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the truth is that 1 in 3 older adults—about 12 million—fall every year in the U.S.
Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.
Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.
Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will actually help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.
Falls prevention: https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/falls-prevention/
https://www.caring.com/articles/preventing-falls
Myth 4: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.
Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.
Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.
Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.
Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your health care provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.
Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.
Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.
Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.
Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.
Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.
Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who is in a position to help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling. Yes, Really!
Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parent, spouse, or other older adult if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it’s none of my business.
Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, finding a fall prevention program in the community, or setting up a vision exam.
Tips to reduce your risk of falls
See your GP
- Check with your GP about your overall health and if you may have any concerns with dizziness, blood pressure, circulation, foot problems, incontinence or medications.
- Check with your Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist or GP, about assistance to make your home safer and support you at home
- Go to the Get Active Gold Coast website to learn about the best measures to improve your overall health, including what physical activities could suit your abilities to improve your balance and coordination. Most falls occur at home but there are a number of steps you can take to make your home safer.
Lighting
- Increase the amount of light
- Decrease glare e.g. put net curtains in windows
- Increase contrast e.g. put a light strip on edge of dark steps
- Have light switches easy to get to
- Use the light, even when getting up at night
Slipping
- Use non-slip flooring surfaces
- Remove rugs and mats on slippery surfaces (or put non-slip backing on them)
- Use a non slip mat or strips in the shower/bath
- Clean up spills immediately
- Keep paths free of moss and leaves
- Don’t have highly polished walking surfaces
Tripping
- Keep walkways clear
- Tuck electric cords under furniture or around skirting
- Fit a draft excluder rather than use a ‘sausage’ type at the bottom of the door
- Remove small changes in level or mark them with contrasting colour so they are easy to see.
- Have bed spreads and curtains neatly tailored so that they don’t spread over the floor
- Remove mats and rugs or have them well tacked down
- Wear appropriate footwear - click here also.
Structural hazards
- Have bathroom and toilet doors re-hung to open outwards (that way if you fall, someone can get to you)
- Have soap holders recessed
- Install rails in the bathroom/toilet/front and back door
- Eliminate dangerous lips in to the shower
- Have outdoor paths that are smooth
SOURCE: Modified from Queensland Health Stay on Your Feet®
------------------------------------ ----------------------------
Recharge points for powered mobility devices
We have partnered with Recharge Scheme Australia to provide a city-wide network of designated, free to use power points for people to safely recharge the battery of their powered mobility device.
Free Recharge Points™ are now located at:
- Broadbeach Library
- Burleigh Heads Library
- Elanora Library
- Helensvale Library and Cultural Centre
- Labrador Community and Youth Centre
- Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre
- Nerang Library
- Palm Beach Community Lounge and Library
- Robina Community Centre
- Runaway Bay Library
- Southport Library
- Upper Coomera Centre
Click to enlarge
To become a designated ‘recharge point’ complete the Recharge Scheme application form.
For more information contact the Safe and Liveable Communities Branch by email [email protected] or phone 07 5581 6642.
Mobility scooter use
For information about mobility scooters in Australia and safe mobility scooter use visit the Product Safety Australia website.