Holiday season is fun and exciting. There are few things we can keep in mind to prevent weather changes from spoiling our fun. Rain causing mud and lowering temperatures causing frozen slippery surface areas have been contributing to increased risk of falls in older adults.
Commonly patients report that they should have been more careful and taken more precautions. Indeed there are some basic things that can be done to stay safe.
Watch the weather report and plan your activities around high hazard days.
Scan your environment to identify unsafe areas with fall hazards like curbs, potholes, etc… Avoid walkways with cracks, potholes and uneven surfaces. Report to your local city government if you notice unsafe public spaces to help yourself and others.
Avoid high heels. In muddy conditions, consider using walking sticks and hiking boots with good traction. In snowy/icy areas, have the steps, walkways and sidewalks salted and snow removed. Wear boots with good traction and rubber soles. For extra protection use boots that reach above the ankles. Using traction cleats over the boots can also be helpful.
Go out with a friend for increased safety or consider having daily necessities (e.g. food, medications) delivered to you if can’t venture out safely.
One important thing to keep in mind, however, is that older adults don’t fall just because of unsafe surface in the environment. The obvious proof to it that these same people did not fall in the same environment when they were younger. Older adults fall because 9/10 times there are biomechanical vulnerabilities causing balance and gait disorders that can be identified and corrected to prevent falls. It is therefore important to undergo a thorough biomechanical assessment by a physician trained to help diagnose and treat fall risk, balance and gait deficits.