With the slogan . .Don't let fear to fall determine your life . The focus of the Week of Fall Prevention is on fear. Valangst is one of many risk factors for elderly people to fall. 1 in 2 elderly people have fear to falls, even older ones who have never fallen before. Women usually have more fear to drop than men.
If you are anxious or worried about falling, there is a good chance that you will avoid certain activities. For example, you will no longer be able to walk to the shop or cafeteria. This will reduce your movement. Your muscle strength, balance and mobility decrease, increasing the risk of falling just now. You also miss social contact and increase the chances of being unified and depressed.
Tips and advice:
Talk to your fright:
- Talk about it with relatives, fellow fateors, friends and/or a doctor. A conversation can change your attitude and thinking towards fear.
Keep moving:
- Do not sit still for too long and try to move lightly for most of the day. For example, water the plants, do domestic tasks, play with your (back) grandchildren.
Follow a practice program:
- Ask your doctor or kinesitherapist for a specific exercise program with muscle-reinforced exercises and balance exercises (e.g. tai chi) that you can perform at home or in group.
Usage tools:
- If necessary, use a (walk) tool such as a sturdy walking stick or rollator. Adjust your environment and behaviour to reduce your risk of falling.
Make your whereabouts safe:
- Overflow your residence together with your family and/or an ergotherapist. Identify the dangers together and find solutions. Use handles as support, for example in toilet or shower. Provide sufficient lighting and do not leave any stuff lying around on the ground that you can stumble across.
It is important to take fear seriously and actively work on increasing your self-confidence and mobility.
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