I Fell and I can't Get Up

   There was an interesting article last week in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. Apparently, my home town of Ottawa, Canada is the leading city in North America for falls that cause injury in the senior population. This comes as no great surprise to me. Ottawa is no boom town that would attract hordes of twenty - somethings seeking their fortunes through resource extraction! Instead it is a government town with a large and growing population of retired civil servants. Go to many shopping center food courts first thing in the morning and it is easy to see that Ottawa is Senior Central.
   Ottawa also has a nasty winter mix of fluctuating cold and thaw episodes. It is not the 'dry cold' of Canada's western prairies. It is a miserable, damp, wet cold that bites like Jack Frost with rabies. There is also the frequent drenching from freezing rain and sleet.
Winters in Ottawa are a perfect storm for icy streets and slippery sidewalks!

    There is also the fact that as an aging population is more susceptible to serious slips and falls.
There are many reasons for this:

• The proprioceptors of the muscles affect our ability to sense where our body is in space.
•  As muscles become decrepit with age so might the proprioceptors therefore affecting balance.
• The muscle strength decreases with age. An older person has less strength to resist a spill.
• As we age we have a greater tensity to stiffen up as we fall rather than relax.
• Opportunistic ailments such as inner ear issues or infections can cause dizziness and compromised balance.
• Degrading cognitive function would of course make someone more prone to an accident.
• Certain medications may have side effects that cause dizziness and balance problems.

What can be done to stave off the possibility of serious spills in citizens of the golden years?

1. Use it or lose it! A sedentary person will be more of a sitting duck were they to venture out into an icy environment. However many medical conditions due to aging will certainly have a negative effect on being active. 
2. Seniors could avoid risky icy and snow conditions as much as possible. Many seniors walk in shopping malls for exercise during times of inclement weather.
3. Attend indoor group exercise sessions geared towards aging populations.
4. Don't neglect functional strength. If you do fall you may have to get back up by yourself especially if in an isolated area. 
5. Don't rush anywhere! By a certain age you no longer have to explain yourself for being late. You've paid your dues. 
6. If you suspect broken bones, wait for help. Don't make things worse by moving a fractured limb, especially a broken leg. The femur bone of the leg is the largest bone in the body. A broken femur is considered a serious medical emergency. 

   Other than that, the best bet is to move to Belize or pray for an early spring.
After all, this is Canada - the land of ice and snow!

Gadzooks!
I told you to watch your step!

Until Next Time,..........Keep Fit

Little Bobby Strong

Links
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AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com
www.rabbitview/rabbitview-crossfit