Natomas Family Practice

Did you know that about 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in America? Falls are the No.1 cause  of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors aged 65+, resulting in broken bones, hip fractures, cuts, and even serious head injuries. Even when there’s no serious injury, a fall can still cause an older adult to become fearful and depressed to the point that it becomes difficult for them to stay active. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent most falls; the key is to know where to look. Let’s look at some common factors that can lead to a fall: ·  Gait and balance:  As we age, we may lose flexibility, coordination, and balance, often through inactivity ·  Losing senses:  Eyesight, hearing, and reflexes are not as sharp in aging adults, leading to falls. The aging eye makes obstacles harder to see, causing contrasting edges and tripping hazards ·  Medications:  Some medications can cause dizziness that can lead to a fall ·  Chronic conditions...

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to sweep across the world, a cohesive effort to slow the transmission rate through social isolation has become critically important. This is particularly necessary for aging adults who are at risk of severe complications. However, self-isolation comes at a cost: disruption of our lives and mental health. Ironically, senior adults, who stand to gain the most from public health isolation methods seem to be one of the biggest communities impacted by isolation. How Isolation Can Cause Suffering The “loneliness epidemic” has become a growing concern for the elderly. Studies  have shown that social isolation can have a detrimental impact on older adults’ health and well-being since it puts them at a greater risk of depression and anxiety. What’s more, research  has shown that chronic loneliness can be as hazardous to health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. These facts are staggering when coupled with findings that nearly 43% of older adults  ...