If you have older family members 60yrs and above, you find that they like doing things themselves in a bid to assert they are still strong, capable and independent. Older widows and widowers prefer staying alone than moving to stay with their children.
For those who live with their families, every one else just adjusts to them.
I was with an older in law in Jos some days ago. He brought out a broom to sweep. When I tried to take the broom from him, he shooed me away.
Falls are common in older people as they age. A great number of them develop knee pains, hip pains or worse fractures after a fall.It is a major health concern and can be prevented.
How strong are your bones? You may have no idea — until a bone breaks when you push on a stuck window or bend down to pick up something you’ve dropped or fall into a gutter. Or worse, trip over an extension cord.
One of the critical goals of managing bone-thinning is to prevent the fractures that can threaten independence, steal mobility, trigger depression, and result in pain, disability, or even death.
These simple steps can help safeguard your bones.
1. Clear your floors of clutter and any items that you could easily trip over, including loose wires, cords, and throw pillows.
2. Keep stairways, entrances, and walkways well lit, and install night lights in your bedroom and bathroom.
3.Clean up spills on the floor immediately.
4. Wear rubber-soled slippers for better traction. Avoid walking around in socks only.
5. Avoid having to climb or reach for items. Keep the things you use often in easy-to-reach areas of your cabinets. You might also purchase reaching and grasping tools to get at difficult-to-reach items.
6. Add grab handles/bars to the sides of your bathtub and use nonskid bathroom mats
7. Be careful when pets are nearby. Tripping over a pet, most often a dog or cat, is a common cause of falls.
8. Talk to your doctor about all your medications. Your doctor should look through them all to see if any medications you are taking can cause dizziness, affect balance, or have other side effects that might make you more prone to a fall.
9. Find physical activities, that can improve your balance, coordination, and muscle strength.
10.Have your vision checked regularly and keep your glasses and/or contact lens prescription up to date
Dr Dileem
The Likita Bokanturai
Kano Nigeria
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