The Sky Is Falling (or is it just me?)

I fell a few weeks ago. I wiped out. It wasn’t just a little stumble. I was at the grocery store and making a beeline for the cashier with the shortest line. Whoosh! Up in the air I went, basket and all. I’m not sure what happened because it was so fast. When the dust settled, I was laying on my left side, my meagre groceries scattered around me. I may have loudly uttered some words that would have made any sailor proud. When I managed to shakily sit up, I looked around and saw the remnants of some kind of red food. A strawberry perhaps? I don’t know, it wasn’t mine, but it was squished all over and ground into the grips of my faithful Birkenstocks. No banana peels for this gal!

At that point I realized I was the centre of attention. After all, that plastic basket contacted the cement floor with a loud smack. After assuring people I was ok, paying for and bagging my groceries, I had to speak to the store manager. I told them that I had not hit my head, but my left hip, arm and foot were sore. I didn’t think anything was broken. I’ve torn, sprained and twisted things but I’ve never broken bones. I don’t intend to start at this point of my life. After a barrage of questions, photos and promises to call me in a few days I was allowed to pick up my humility and leave the store.

You know, I always think of myself as sturdy. Good Irish German stock. When I was younger I was quite a klutz. Walking into walls while completely sober, was not uncommon. But oddly enough, as I’ve aged, I seem to have become more rooted. That’s not counting the fall on the pickleball court that benched me for a week or two, or the time I tripped over my own feet and face planted in the backyard (I was putting peanuts out for the crows). And there have been a couple of wipe outs on ice that left me bruised and sore for a couple days. Maybe I’m not as sturdy as I think.

Winter will be here in another couple of months and with it comes icy roads and icy sidewalks and icy steps. It’s a perfect storm for a fall. I’m so excited. It’s time to find the ice cleats.

Did you know that falls are the leading source of injuries for the 65+ crowd in Canada? Yes, those types of injuries outnumber those gathered on the pickleball courts. I don’t think Canadians fall more than any other seniors. In fact, the World Health Organization reports that per year, about one third of adults 70+ incur fall-related injuries. A lot of those falls happen when walking. Walking! Not climbing on a chair to reach that top shelf. Not hiking up a steep path to see a spectacular view. Not running down the stairs to let the dog in. Or out. Walking. A simple, mundane activity.

It sounds like falling is inevitable for us older folks. It’s not our fault! There are medications, poor balance, decreased muscle strength, lower bone density, reduced vision or hearing. Ice. Pets. And my favourite, not being mindful about where you are putting your feet. Staying upright is a matter of being mindful and taking a few steps (no pun intended) to protect yourself.

We can’t avoid grocery stores, but we can do a few things to hopefully avoid falling. For example, we can declutter our homes, put things away and out of walkways. We can re-arrange our cabinets and make sure items used more often are easily accessible. We can think twice about using the fancy wine glasses that are on the top shelf. We can have non-slip mats in the bathtub. Or install grab bars in the shower or beside the toilet. We can also keep our bodies healthy by eating well and practicing some form of exercise. Of course, we should always talk to our doctor about any meds we are taking and if they may cause dizziness or fatigue.

No matter how hard we try, we may still wipe out. It happens. When I fell at the grocery store my initial urge was to jump up and hide. I was really embarrassed. But instead, I took a few moments and did a quick body scan to make sure that when I did get up I wouldn’t collapse. Then I hid behind the magazine rack.

I guess what is important to remember after a fall is yourself. Are you ok? Physically, that is. The emotional scars will take longer to heal, but they will. I must admit I am still a bit traumatized when I walk into that grocery store, but I take solace in the fact that they see hundreds of people a day and probably don’t remember me. The wig and fake mustache help.

Seriously, there are ways to fall that will hopefully prevent doing much damage. I’ve included a couple of videos in Interesting Reads & Things below, but Dr. Google has a lot of resources. I have no idea how you practice these things, and anytime I’ve fallen my brain sure doesn’t stop and think, “ok, now utilize as much space as possible. Fall on your arms.” I just fall!

We can’t let fear of falling prevent us from doing the things we love. We can’t always wear a disguise. We just need to get out there, be mindful and do our best to stay upright. Stay safe, my friends!

Interesting Reads & Things

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/you-prevent-falls.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/surveillance-report-falls-older-adults-canada.html

https://parachute.ca/en/injury-topic/fall-prevention-for-seniors/