Millions of people over the age of 65 fall every year. Twenty percent will suffer serious injuries, including head trauma and broken bones. 800,000 of them will need hospitalization – 300,000 of them for hip fractures.
What causes so many seniors to fall? There are many reasons, including:
- medications that cause dizziness
- homes that are hard to get around due to poor lighting or too much clutter on the floor
- bad eyesight
- loose area rugs
- foot pain
- loss of muscle – also called age-related sarcopenia.
What causes sarcopenia?
As surprising as this may seem, people begin losing muscle mass after their 30th birthday. And the older you get, the faster your rate of muscle loss. On one hand, sarcopenia is normal and expected. But, on the other, unless you take steps to prevent accelerated muscle loss, you’re also headed for frailty, instability on your feet, and an increased risk of falling as you age.
Minimize your muscle loss to minimize your fall risk
Using your muscles is the best way to prevent or slow down muscle loss! Exercise in all its forms will keep muscles toned. Seniors who aren’t already active can begin walking, swimming, or practicing yoga. Lifting weights is an excellent way to keep muscles in shape. Take care to start with light weights under the supervision of an expert trainer, and always check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, are using Falls Prevention Awareness Month to call attention to the effects of age-related sarcopenia. One thing that’s sure to prevent you from using exercise to prevent muscle loss is foot pain. Fix your feet first, and then get ready to move. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio, at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.