Retire VA 24 - 26

Taking Care at Home
WRITTEN BY DAN SMITH
As bodies age, falls become increasingly dangerous for older Americans.
F
alls are not a significant
concern for younger generations.
As we age, however,
the potential for disaster that
accompanies falling grows
exponentially with each birthday.
Delaine Caldwell, an ombudsman
manager with the Local Office on Aging
in Roanoke, facilitates two fall prevention
programs in the Roanoke Valley
and says that " one in four people 65 and
older experience falls. " And it doesn't stop
there. Once you've fallen, " the risk of falling
again is doubled. "
With the falls come a myriad of additional
problems. The Centers for Disease
26 Retire-VA.com / RETIRE-VA 2025
Control and Prevention reports, " Falls
among adults 65 and older caused over
38,000 deaths in 2021, making it the leading
cause of injury death for that group. In
2021, emergency departments recorded
nearly 3 million visits for older adult falls. "
Ann Armstrong, who teaches balance (A
Matter of Balance) to an aged population
in Roanoke, says, " It has been so rewarding
to see participants grow in confidence
and ability from week to week. While
each group is different, there are common
threads that I have appreciated.
Individuals realize that not only is their
physical strength, endurance and flexibility
critical to preventing falls, but also
their mindset. " Her students " thoughtfully
consider the information presented, and
then boldly commit to behavior changes
to develop personal fall prevention action
plans. "
She says the workshops " have become
vibrant learning communities with participants
respecting different capabilities,
generously sharing ideas and supporting
the success of one another. I learn something
new each time we meet. "
" Falls, " says Caldwell, " are not a normal
part of aging. " Her programs are designed
" to create awareness of your environment.
Both programs are evidencebased "
and range in length from eight to
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Retire VA 24

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