Over the past 4 months, I saw a rise in the number of friends injured from falling.

There were so many I began to wonder if that’s why it’s called Fall!

Now it’s winter, and I want my senior adult friends to begin 2021 with sure footing.

According to the National Council on Aging, 1 in 4 Americans over 65 falls every year.

Here are 7 reasons why:

1. Many become less active and exercise less. Leg muscles lose strength and balance is diminished.

2. Eyesight gets worse and trip hazards are harder to detect. Not seeing a curb or missing a step is common.

3. Senior adults take more medications. Every drug has the potential for producing side effects. Many can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

40% of seniors take at least 5 drugs per week which can increase the risk of falling due to medication interactions.

4. Chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and arthritis cause weakness in the extremities.

These also cause slower reflexes which prevent people from catching themselves.

Diabetics with foot neuropathy may have numbness in the feet which can make a fall more likely.

5. Surgical procedures such as hip and knee replacements require extra caution during recovery and rehab to keep from falling.

6. Environmental hazards in the home contribute to falling. Poor lighting, loose carpets, and slick floors are some of the dangers.

The bathroom is an especially hazardous place. It’s a small room with a lot of hard surfaces. Step-over bathtubs rather than walk-in showers are very risky for seniors.

Tubs and shower floors must have anti-slip adhesive strips. Grab bars are a must and are inexpensive to install.

7. Normal behavioral activities can become risks the older we get. Simple tasks like carrying a laundry basket need to be reconsidered as fall risks for seniors.

Don’t let pride keep you from modifying your behavior.

If you have begun using a walker, don’t think you can just get out of bed and go to the bathroom at night without it.

Have a happy and safe new year!

Next: What will be remembered?

Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.