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I had just parked my car, grabbed a piece of paper with the address and jumped out of the car on my way to a doctor’s appointment. I was looking up at the large numbers on the building trying to find the office and stepped up on the curb. Only, I didn’t. Instead, the toe of my shoe caught because I was not watching where I put my foot and down I went! Hard. My hands were bleeding, my knee was
throbbing, my shoe came off and there I was splayed out like a Thanksgiving turkey on the sidewalk. I tried to get up but instead my body decided I needed to lay there and gather my wits. I felt like a fool, a hurting fool. Somewhere I heard
someone say to another person that she was going to help “that older woman” who fell. That did not make me feel any better, but at least I knew help was on the way.
A nurse appeared out of thin air, took me inside, cleaned up my hands and sent me on my way to my appointment…which, believe it or not, was to a hand doctor!
I had fallen. Thank goodness it was not serious, but it scared me. Later I was surprised at how scared I was. I thought I was in control, knew my surroundings, took the appropriate precautions, blah, blah, blah.
Things can happen so fast, so very fast and the next thing you know, your world changes.
Christmas time can do that to those of us who are “older”. With all the excitement of the season, of seeing loved ones, of going to parties and events, we can forget how vulnerable we are to changes, even exciting ones, even when we think we are in control.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC,2021), falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people over 65. As the CDC emphasizes, “prevention is key”. Don’t fall in the first place. Easier said than done, right?!
However, this Christmas season please look around and consider things and events that can make falling easier…not just for seniors but for everyone.
Ice/snow/wet surfaces
Decorations (damaged cords/flammable/breakable)
Medications (forgetting during the holidays)
Candles (only use battery candles)
Low lighting
Overloaded electrical sockets/extension cords (never put under carpets)
Christmas on the floor (presents/ wrapping paper/lights)
Ladders…stay OFF
Visiting pets (getting underfoot)
Disrupted routines (sleeping….not enough/eating…too much)
But most importantly, be sure you enjoy Christmas! It comes around only once a year and it is so very important to gather with those who you love and celebrate the “reason for the season”.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas. Now, go out and hug someone you love, let them know how much they mean to you all year round.
Merry Christmas and happy aging,
Sue
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