Holidays are a prime time to discuss aging safely

The holidays serve as a reminder of the passing of time, and one reality every family shares, is the inevitability of getting older.

New York is experiencing a sharp demographic spike as the older people skyrockets, a trend fueled by baby boomers who are increasingly opting to stay at home, instead of moving to an assisted living facility or congregate care setting aka “aging in place.”

Nationwide, more than 75% of U.S. adults over the age of 50, want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. While one in 10 adults over 65, reported having difficulty living in their home. In New York City, older adults are more like to live alone — including the frailest. 

Whatever your family’s particular brand of holiday friction, chances are, you’ll be gathering at the home of a loved one who is committed to aging in place. These visits present an ideal opportunity to start having conversations about preparing for what this process looks like — particularly when it comes to fall prevention. 

Each year, millions of older people fall, which is the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans.

As the vice president of rehabilitation services at the Bronx-based RiverSpring Health Plans, and a certified aging-in-place specialist, I help coordinate home safety inspections for members of our managed long-term care program, which is designed to allow older and vulnerable adults to remain at home safely. 

With the holidays upon us, we’d like to encourage New Yorkers to use these family get-togethers to spark conversations about fall prevention using our home safety checklist, based on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. 

A good place to start is examining stairways. Is there a light and light switch at the top and bottom of the stairs? Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn? When conducting a home assessment, make sure the carpet is firmly attached to each step. If not, remove the carpet and attach non-slip rubber treads to the stairs. We also advise checking to ensure handrails are firm and in good condition. 

Hazardous floor conditions can also contribute to falls, with throw rugs posing a particular risk. It’s good practice to remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing. 

Also keep a lookout for clutter. Are there objects on the floor? If so, pick them up. Make sure furniture doesn’t present unnecessary obstacles. Wires and cords — including lamps, telephone and extension cords — also present a risk. Make sure to coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so they cannot be tripped over.

Bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens should also be inspected.

Make sure the path from the bedroom to the bathroom has a nightlight. In the bathroom, put a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of the tub or shower, and if necessary, install grab bars next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.

In the kitchen, make sure commonly used items are stored on lower shelves at waist-level — and never use a chair as a step stool.

Lastly, encourage your loved ones to speak with their healthcare providers about fall risks and prevention. As we age, the way medicines work in our bodies can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and lead to falls. Scheduling annual vision and hearing tests are also critical, as these senses also contribute to fall risk.

We also encourage exercise to improve balance and strength — tai chi is a great activity — as well as wearing proper supportive footwear.

In 2021, the last year this data was collected, falls resulted in resulted in nearly three million ER visits and 38,000 deaths in adults 65 and older.

Yes, the holidays are a challenge. But political arguments and awkward conversations with Aunt Edna aside, they’re always better when everyone is healthy, happy and safe — and that’s no turkey.