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
We are fortunate to have UMRA member and former Minnesota Landscape Arboretum director Peter Moe to lead this approximately 3.7-mile hike at the Arboretum on Monday, May 6. Plan to have lunch together after the hike at the Eatery café inside the Oswald Visitor Center.
This session will continue the discussion begun in the May 8, 2023 session. See that article for details.
If you currently live in your own home or apartment, have you looked ahead to when you might want to consider a senior living option? Do you have any idea what those options might be? How much they cost? What they provide? UMRA’s May 14 workshop will provide an overview of the world of senior living and the basic information you need.
You’re invited to join the final Family History Interest Group meeting for 2023–24. This will be an opportunity to ask questions related to family history, share insights, talk about recent projects, and suggest topics for next year.
Stephanie Daily will lead the discussion of Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law by best-selling author Mary Roach when the UMRA Book Club meets via Zoom at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 17.
The May 20 hike will start at the Historic Lift Bridge in Stillwater and go along the river to the new bridge, cross over and then back on the Wisconsin side, a total of approximately 5 miles. Most of the route is paved. We will eat lunch after at Brian's Bar and Grill in Stillwater. Car pooling will be available.
Climatologist and meteorologist Mark Seeley joined the U of M faculty in 1978 and has been a weekly commentator on Minnesota Public Radio since 1992. We are honored to welcome him as our guest speaker for UMRA’s May Luncheon Forum and 2024 Annual Meeting. He is always entertaining and informative.
UMRA’s Fourth Friday Book Club welcomes back, for the second time, author Julie Schumacher, U of M Regents professor of creative writing and English, for a conversation about her novel The Shakespeare Requirement.
We are in for a treat on June 3! Lynn Anderson, will lead us on trails at two parks near her Monticello home. Bring a bag lunch and we will gather in Lynn's yard along the Mississippi River for eating and socializing after the hike.
Get out to the ballpark with fellow UMRA members for the annual U of M Day at Target Field as the Minnesota Twins take on the Oakland Athletics on June 14 at 7:10 p.m.
Please join us at 9:30 on June 17, 2024 for a walk around Lake Como in St. Paul before attending the UMRA Summer Social and Picnic starting at 11 at the Como Pavilion. A perfect opportunity to get in a walk before we gather to celebrate summer.
Picnic under the covered, open-air Como pavilion, gaze at the water, spy some birds, catch up with friends and former colleagues, and meet new members. We’ll have lunch with plenty of time for visiting and then compete in teams as we are challenged by our Quiz master(s)!
Healthy aging, mindfulness, fighting ageism, and more will be the focus of the third annual Age-Friendly University Day to be held on the U of M Twin Cities campus.