February workshop recap—Falls are dangerous and preventable
Chances are, most of us will experience falling in our later years, but despite many commonly held myths about falling, it should not be considered a normal part of aging. Falls result from a combination of personal and environmental factors and can be prevented.
Even so, falls should be the concern of everyone—individuals, family members and health care providers. Dr. Jean Wyman, director of the Center for Aging Science and Care in the School of Nursing, told UMRA’s February workshop attendees, “It takes a child one year to develop independent movement and 10 years to develop independent mobility. An adult can lose both in one day.”
Many personal factors can contribute to falls, including poor balance, muscle weakness, cognitive changes, vision problems, and fear. Environmental risk factors include poor lighting, tripping hazards such as scatter rugs and pets, slippery and uneven surfaces, unstable furniture, and improper use of assistive devices.
Among the myths about falling is the notion that limiting activity is one way to avoid falling. Not true, said Dr. Wyman. Keeping active is crucial to maintaining muscle strength and balance. Among her other recommendations: have your vision checked annually; do not take sleep aids, including pain killers, with “PM” in the name; don’t carry things in both hands when walking; wear slip-resistant shoes and boots; and tell your health-care provider if you do fall—it could be an early sign of illness.
If you are interested in participating in research focused on improving health and wellness in adults age 70 and older through increased physical activity, the U is currently enrolling volunteers for the Ready Steady wellness program, sponsored by the NIH. To learn more, contact study coordinator Ifra Biyoow at 612-624-2686.
—Kristine Mortensen, content editor
February 27 Workshop: Falls are dangerous and preventable
Tue, February 27 2018, 1:30pm
Conference Room ABC, Campus Club, Fourth Floor, Coffman Memorial Union
A recent issue of AARP The Magazine reminds us that it has been nearly 30 years since the first LifeCall TV commercials introduced us to Mrs. Fletcher uttering her memorable cry: “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up.” At the time, the commercial may have seemed funny to many. But falling is no laughing matter.
Each year at least one of every three Americans age 65 years and over will fall, and this risk increases with each decade of life. Approximately 10 percent of these falls will result in a major injury such as a fracture, serious soft tissue injury, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, and falls are the leading cause of TBI. Whether injurious or not, falls can lead to significant loss of independence and quality of life, as well as higher health care costs.
While many people think falls are a normal part of aging, the truth is they are not. Learning a few proven strategies for staying safe, such as increasing one’s physical activity, can help to prevent most falls.
Our February workshop will feature two experts in fall prevention from the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. They will discuss common myths about falls and what can be done to reduce the risk of falling as one ages. They will describe specific steps for reducing the risk of falling, and tell us about an opportunity for getting involved in a research project at the U that is aimed at helping older adults incorporate some of these steps into their daily lives.
Dr. Jean Wyman, professor, Cora Meidl Siehl Chair in Nursing Research, and director of the Center for Aging Science and Care Innovation, will provide information about falls and their causes, and she will counter some of the myths that people hold about falls. Dr. Siobhan McMahon, an assistant professor, will discuss her current National Institute of Nursing Research-funded study, which is investigating behavior change strategies to help older adults incorporate fall-reducing physical activity into their lives. In addition to their faculty appointments, both Drs. Wyman and McMahon are board-certified gerontological nurse practitioners. Opportunities for volunteering for Dr. McMahon’s study will be highlighted.
Please join us after the UMRA luncheon on Tuesday, February 27, for this important workshop in the ABC room of the Campus Club. The fall you prevent could save your life!
— Kris Mortensen
Upcoming Events
Our July 15 "hike" is going to be a kayaking adventure on Bde Maka Ska (formerly Lake Calhoun) and Lake of the Isles! If you don't have a kayak (or paddleboard), Wheel Fun Rentals, located next to the new concession stand rents single kayaks at $15 an hour and double kayaks at $25. The second hour is free if we rent before noon. Life jackets are provided with the rental.
Laura Ericksen will lead the discussion of How Stella Learned to Talk by Christina Hunger, a true story by a speech-language pathologist who taught her dog, Stella, to communicate using buttons associated with different words.
Our August 5 hike will be a reprise of our hike last summer at William O'Brien State Park. This is a beautiful park with a winding trail and a great view of the countryside. The hike is about 5.5 to 6 miles and we'll go at a moderate pace with frequent water breaks. After the hike, we will eat lunch at Rustic Roots Winery, a half mile north of the park.
Kathy Cramer will lead the discussion of The Bookbinder by Pip Williams, a book set in 1914 Oxford chronicling the life of Peggy who works in the University bindery, but craves a life beyond binding books but to being a scholar herself.
Enjoy a two-hour cruise on the Jonathan Padelford, leaving from the Harriet Island dock in St. Paul, boarding time at 5:30 p.m. We will have a brief program on board by Patrick Nunnally from the River Life Program of the Institute on the Environment.
August 31 is the due date for annual reports and updates. Annual Reports, Toolkits, web page updates, operating document updates and archives collections are all due each year on this date.
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After a summer break the UMRA Photo Club will next meet September 10, 2024 in the meeting room of the Hennepin County St. Anthony Branch Library. For those interested in lunch, meet at the Great Dragon at 11:30 am. For September the THEME will be Curves
We will continue to discuss the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. You will also hear about notable non-health plan and non-broker resources.