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While seniors are still encouraged to stay active in their golden years, new research shows seniors could have a greater risk for falling when walking for purposes other than recreation.
The study, published within the American Journal of Public Health, examined the connection between older adults’ walking habits, socioeconomic status among their neighborhoods and the frequency of falls outdoors.
The study discovered that older adults have double the amount risk for falling while walking “out of necessity” along with a four times and the higher chances for a fall-induced injury when walking on the sidewalk than in a recreational area, said lead study author Wenjun Li, PhD, inside a news release.
“These differences weren’t explained by individual factors for example an elder’s health, leading us to conclude the environment may play a substantial role,” Li said. “Further research will explore how elders communicate with their environment and the way to make neighborhoods safer for utilitarian walking.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls would be the leading reason for fatal and nonfatal injuries in seniors.? Actually, one out three adults aged 65 or older fall every year but do not report it to their physician.
Health experts say sedentary lifestyles weaken the body, but continuing to build muscle and stamina will go a long way in keeping seniors on their feet.
“Lifting weights, or doing any exercise that uses bodyweight for resistance, can build muscle and increase stability in seniors,” said?Dr. Tony Hampton, a household care physician for?Advocate Medical Group in Chicago. “Seniors should consider gardening and other activities that keep your body limber as well as in motion as a prevention against falls. Exercises, for example?Yoga?or Tai Chi, can be especially helpful.”
Dr. Hampton added that seniors should review their medications with their physicians as some may cause dizziness or drowsiness and have a yearly eye exam to make sure eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions are current.
Dr. William Rhoades, a geriatric specialist with Advocate Medical Group in Park Ridge, Ill., says fitness walking is really a answer to living longer.
“I tell my patients the single most important thing you can do to improve your health is walk,” Dr. Rhoades says. “The most significant aspect to aging well is getting exercise.”
