Stay independent! Helping seniors age in place

Have you noticed the “graying” of our population? There are now more Canadians over the age of 65 than those under the age of 14. With this increase in people reaching their senior years, we’re also seeing an increase in life expectancy. That means that the over-65 demographic is on track to hit one-quarter of the Canadian population in the not-too-distant future. Where will all these seniors be housed?

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the National Institute on Ageing reported recently that 96% of Canadians want to age in place. They want to stay in their own homes as long as possible and stay independent at the same time.
It may be something you or your loved ones are contemplating in the golden years. It’s a hot topic in our household, as the grandparents on both sides of the family continue to appreciate aging in place.

An often overlooked aspect of aging in place is the importance of preventing a life-altering fall. As we age, our risk of falling increases, along with the likelihood that a fall will cause an injury. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians, with 20 to 30 per cent of seniors experiencing one or more falls each year. Half of all falls happen in the home—the very place older adults spend most of their time.

Since 2019, I have published six books geared to supporting seniors with fall prevention. My goals with these books are to help seniors:

• Maintain function and independence
• Boost confidence
• Enjoy their golden years
• Improve quality of life
• Age in place

Sometimes, though, seniors don’t want to hear about or discuss fall prevention. I’ve seen this firsthand at recent book signings. A senior will slow down to see the books on my display table. As soon as they register the topic, they’ll beat a hasty retreat. Some of them will shake their heads and tell me they don’t need fall prevention help. But the fact is a fall can happen at any time. And there are many factors that contribute to the risk of a fall:

• Poor balance
• Reduced muscle & bone strength
• Diminished vision or hearing
• Unsafe conditions in & around the home

If aging in place is on your radar, I hope this article will provide some practical tips to stay independent as long as possible. And while I regularly tout the benefits of regular physical activity to prevent falls, the non-exercise fall prevention tips are just as important as the exercise tips. They include:

• Improve lighting
• Reduce clutter
• Keep walking areas dry/clear (inside & outside)
• Secure or remove area rugs/mats
• Avoid sudden position changes
• Don’t skip meals
• Stay well hydrated
• Review medications every year
• Don’t mix alcohol with medications
• Speak with a health-care provider in cases of: dizziness, drowsiness, unsteadiness, blurred vision

And if you need help with the exercise side of fall prevention, please feel free to reach out. I can recommend one of my six publications, based on your requirements. Or you can find out more information in the books section.

In closing, please indulge me while I share my favourite movement-based catchphrases and quotes:

• Use it or lose it
• Motion is lotion
• Every minute of movement counts
• It’s never too late to start
• If you love your body, move your body
• “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.” - Hippocrates, c. 460-375 bce