Former first lady Nancy Reagan, age 90, was walking down the aisle with Florida Senator Marco Rubio at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum the other evening, when she tripped over a post holding a rope for crowd control, and almost fell.
Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida caught the first lady before she hit the floor. Fortunately she was uninjured.
Rubio was invited by Mrs. Reagan to the Reagan Simi Valley library to deliver a speech about conservatism and the legacy of Ronald Reagan. However, the new GOP rising star’s speech was overshadowed by the first lady’s stumble.
Mrs. Reagan at 90 is quite frail. She had a cancerous breast removed in 1987, and she fractured her pelvis and sacrum in a fall at her home in 2008.
Falls among the over 65 age group are not unusual for several reasons.
According to the Center for Disease Control one out of three seniors fall each year. These falls can have severe consequences such as fractures, head trauma and even death. The CDC reports that 18,000 older adults died from fall injuries in 2007.
As the population ages, people accumulate more diseases and impairments which puts them at risk for falling. Loss of balance and strength, osteoporosis, poor eyesight, loss of hearing and vision and even memory are factors. Also side effects of medication and alcohol consumption put seniors at risk.
However, most falls are preventable.
Some tips to prevent falling are….Check with your doctor about interactions and side effects of medications. Make sure your eyesight and hearing are OK.
Keep moving and active….Walking, swimming and lifting weights help keep muscle strength and balance.
Wear sensible shoes….High heels, flimsy sandals and flip flops can cause stumbles.
Fall proof your home….Remove slippery scatter rugs, install grab bars in the bathroom and non skid rubber mats in the tub and shower.
Watch out for pets. Keep your pets away from visiting seniors. Many seniors are seriously injured by tripping over pets or being knocked down.
Remove phone cords and electrical cords from walk ways. Keep plant stands, magazine racks and coffee tables away from traffic areas. Fix loose floorboards and use non slippery floor wax.
Light up your living space…. Place nightlights in the bedroom and bathroom. Use glow in the dark light switches. Keep clothing, dishes and necessities in easy to reach places. Remove clutter.
Use assistive devices…. Ask your doctor about a cane or walker to keep you steady. Investigate handrails for both sides of a stairway, and install rubber stair treads. Plan ahead before visiting new places and look for handicap accessible facilities.
Nancy Reagan was fortunate that she was not hurt. Another fall could have had serious consequences. Marco Rubio was in the right place at the right time.
Sources:
ABC News
http://www..mayoclinic.com?health?fall-prevention/HQ00657/NSECTIONGROUP
http://www.baynews9.com/article/news/2011/august/299883/Marco-Rubio-catche
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