Do your streets look like the one in this photo? If so then it may be a good idea to stay indoors even if you’re a winter warrior like my 97 year young member.

Walking outdoors in inclement weather can increase the risk of falls because sidewalk pavement may be uneven or have cracks. Decreased visibility from falling snow or from covered sidewalks will affect your ability to walk safely.

According to the Centers for Disease Control

• Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths. They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma
• In 2005, 15,800 people 65 and older died from injuries related to unintentional falls; about 1.8 million people 65 and older were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal injuries from falls, and more than 433,000 of these patients were hospitalized

The Reality

Earlier in my career when I worked in the hospital setting the above stats were a daily reality. I had assisted numerous older adults with their rehabilitation after they had fallen.

Rehabilitation from injuries associated with falls is both painful and time consuming. It was not a coincidence that the number of the outdoor falls increased as snow, slush and ice began to accumulate.

Safety Tips

• It may be a good idea to check on your elderly neighbors.
• Stay indoors if your local streets still have snow or ice accumulations.
• If you need to go outside follow these winter fall prevention tips.

Stay safe and strong.