Did you know that falls rank among the 10 leading causes of death among older Americans? Did you know falls result in more than $19 billion in annual health care costs? Pretty dramatic numbers, wouldn't you agree? There have been numerous risk factors and prevention strategies associated with falls. Interestingly, chronic pain has been somewhat overlooked as a risk factor for falls. This would include chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis.
According to a study published in the November 25, 2009 issue of JAMA, older adults who reported chronic pain in two or more musculoskeletal regions of the body, high levels of severe pain, or pain the interfered with their ability to perform usual daily activities were more likely to fall than people who did not report having chronic pain. More studies will look at whether better pain control could reduce the risk of falls among older adults.
Related Resources:
- How to Prevent Slips and Falls
- Elderly Falls Tied to Canes and Walkers
- Tips for Walker Use
- Arthritis Aids Help You Get From Sit to Stand
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Photo by Sharon Dominick (iStockphoto)
I am always confident of living alone despite me getting old already. I want the independence of living alone and the opportunities it can offer me. However, I am sometimes worried about my safety. Just last month, I almost fall from the stairs because I felt some kind of pain. Good thing, I didn’t really fall. If that ever happened, I wonder how long someone will notice me needing help or how I can contact people to help me.
I consulted my son about getting a Lifeline personal emergency response system (PERS) device to help me whenever there is an emergency at home. My old neighbor has been telling me about this pendant alert device that takes only a press of a button to seek help during an emergency. In fact, he has been saved by the device a dozen times already not only during a bad fall but when having a heart attack, difficulty in breathing, extreme pain and other medical conditions. However, my son found it impractical to invest on such thing considering the amount of money we have to pay for it every month. However, he promised me to check for other alternatives.
Then, he came home with a Just5 phone. I already gave up using a phone since I find it difficult to operate it so I was ready to turn down his offer. However, when he explained everything to me, I was more than amazed than surprised. Yes, Just5 is a phone that can help me call or text people every time I need to but it has big buttons that make the process easier for me. The phone also has an emergency button that I can press anytime I need help. There are a lot of other features in the phone that are all helpful to a senior like me living alone. But the greatest of all news is that my son paid around 12o dollars for the phone without requiring us to pay anything more. The phone offers so great services that I can use a lifetime for free.