Examining How Falls Can Alter How We Approach Aging More than one in four adults 65 or older fall each year

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it's estimated that falls account for roughly $31 billion in accrued medical costs each year. Moreover, falls become increasingly dangerous in the later stages of life

WALLINGFORD, Conn., Nov. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- With decreasing temperatures and winter approaching, Stannah Stairlifts cautions that snow and ice can possibly cause an increase in slip and fall accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it's estimated that falls account for roughly $31 billion in accrued medical costs each year. 

Moreover, falls become increasingly dangerous in the later stages of life. An icy walkway transforms from a minor nuisance into a hazardous road block and injuries caused by falls can have lasting effects that carry on throughout life.

"It is unfortunately not uncommon to see a previously active person experience a rapid decline in overall health due to complications from a fall," said Susan Wile Schwarz, director of communications, The Global Coalition on Aging.  

According to The Global Coalition on Aging, simple home alterations such as increasing the brightness of lighting, fitting your shower with grab bars or installing a stair lift, can help decrease your chance of falling. 

For example, these modifications can help an individual with an altered sense of perception due to dementia reduce the risk of falls and remain in their home longer. 

There are also some lesser known ways to lower fall risk. Many elderly people and their caregivers may not be aware of the connection between their overall health and proper skin care and nourishment. "Poor skin health can cause a decrease in sensory perception," added Schwarz. 

"With less sensation in our feet and legs, we are a greater risk of falling and injuring ourselves." 

According to Schwarz, this risk is particularly pronounced in those with diabetes and other conditions that negatively impact these nerves.

While home modifications and caring for your body can reduce your risk of falling, both The Global Coalition on Aging and Stannah Stairlifts emphasize that it is equally important to maintain a healthy mind. 

Staying both physically and mentally active will ultimately serve a critical role in preventing injuries while simultaneously cultivating a positive approach towards aging.

"A stair lift can provide independence to the elderly," said Martin Stevenson, North American business development manager, Stannah Stairlifts. 

"In addition to offering protection against falls, stair lifts also provide a positive mindset for these individuals and allow them to remain active and productive members of society as they age."

Schwarz added that caring for an elderly person is a team effort and the ability to provide high-quality care is critical to maintaining an older person's health, well-being and dignity. 

"Analyzing how we can prevent falls and provide better care for our injured loved ones highlights several important opportunities to change how society approaches aging," said Schwarz.

An increasing number of companies are beginning to see the value of applying an aging perspective to how they conduct business. With help from initiatives such as the World Economic Forum Global Agenda Council on Ageing's: Age-Friendly Business Principles, businesses are discovering the importance of adapting proactive policies that acknowledge the increasing number of employees caring for an elderly loved one. By providing services such as flexible hours, setting different schedules, or allotting more telecommuting capabilities, these companies are finding that supporting their employees' ability to fulfill their responsibilities at home also benefits their bottom line as fewer employees are leaving full-time work or coming to work distracted.

"We need a care eco-system that ensures the later years of life are as rewarding as possible," said Schwarz. 

"It is important that we are able to remain active and independent as we age because, contrary to popular belief, these years can be some of the most dynamic and rewarding of our lives."

Stannah echoes this sentiment as it also serves as the company's core value. Stair lifts are a convenient way to re-establish independence and ensure your loved ones are navigating their homes safely and independently. 

The customer stories section on Stannah's website is evidence that a proactive and positive approach helps elderly individuals spend more time doing the things they love.

"We've found tha

t a person will be much happier aging at home instead of an assisted living facility," added Stevenson. "Stair lifts help keep people in the homes they love and avoid accidents that could disrupt their lives."

To learn more about the mission of The Global Coalition on Aging please visit www.globalcoalitiononaging.com. Additionally, discover how Stannah can help you or your elderly loved one by visiting http://www.stannah-stairlifts.com.

About Stannah Stairlifts:      
Stannah is recognized around the world as the company that brings freedom, independence and a strong sense of safety back to anyone who has difficulty overcoming the challenges posed by the stairs in their home. Indoors and outdoors, around the world there are more Stannah stairlifts in place than any other brand.

Ever since Stannah was established as a family-owned company almost 150 years ago, we have been committed to quality craftsmanship. Safety, reliability, and value are the tools of our trade, while you, our customer, are our primary focus. We want you to understand and enjoy freedom, independence and the inescapable feeling of pride that comes from being the master of your home.

About The Global Coalition on Aging:

                                                                                     
The Global Coalition on Aging aims to reshape how global leaders approach and prepare for the 21st century's profound shift in population aging. The Coalition uniquely brings together leading global corporations across industry sectors with common strategic interests in aging populations, a comprehensive and systemic understanding of aging, and an optimistic view of its impact.

Through research, public policy analysis, advocacy and communication, the Coalition advances innovative solutions and works to ensure global aging is a path for fiscally sustainable economic growth, social value creation and wealth enhancement. The Coalition operates along four pillars of health and wellness, education and work, financial security, and technology and innovation to promote basic reforms to address the 21st century's age-driven demographic realities.

FYZICAL Rallies Americans to Fight the FallOn National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Offer Free Fall Risk Assessments

Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans and one-third of Americans aged 65+ falls each year, according to the National Council on Aging and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Although preventable, a staggering number of Americans will face fall-related injuries or deaths this year.

"Many individuals are afraid to tell their doctors how many times they fall because they fear loved ones may consider a nursing home and take away their independence," said Brian Werner, PT, MPT and National Director of Balance Center Program for FYZICAL. 

"Simply the fear of falling can be terrifying, leading to a more inactive lifestyle that adds to the issue."

September marks National Falls Prevention Awareness Month and FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers are putting a stake in the ground to increase awareness of and eliminate falls by establishing the Fight the Fall campaign. FYZICAL's Fight the Fall brings to light the devastating effects of falling and how Americans can prevent falls through balance therapy.

On National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Sept. 23, FYZICAL clinics nationwide are offering free Fall Risk Assessments to identify compromises in balance, flexibility and strength that could make someone susceptible to a fall and next steps to help prevent future falls.

Fall Risk Assessments are part of FYZICAL's BodyQ, a comprehensive evaluation that measures the overall health and wellness of the muscles, joints and neurological systems to help prevent injuries and address health issues. 

With individualized exercise and balance training from FYZICAL physical therapists, Americans can put their foot down to falls.

"Contrary to popular assumptions, falling is not an inevitable part of aging," said Werner. 

"We want people to know that they can prevent falling. The specialized balance, flexibility and strength training we perform at FYZICAL work in tandem to improve mobility and substantially reduce the risk of falling."

Anyone wanting to reduce his or her risk or a loved one's risk of falling is invited to visit FightTheFall.com to schedule a free Fall Risk Assessment at their nearest FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center with a physical therapist and balance expert.

Individuals can test their stability with the following balance exercise (note: attempt exercise near a wall or corner for safety purposes):

•             Stand on a single leg with eyes closed. If struggling or unable to stand for 10 seconds on one leg, see a FYZICAL licensed and trained balance expert for a balance test.

Additionally, the National Council on Aging offers six steps to prevent a fall and take control:

•             Find a good balance and exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility.

•             Talk to a healthcare provider about personal history of falls and ask for a fall risk assessment.

•             Regularly review medications with a doctor or pharmacist to make sure effects aren't increasing a risk of falling.

•             Get annual vision and hearing checks and keep eyeglasses updated.

•             Keep homes safe from tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas.

•             Talk to family members to enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe.

About FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers

FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers provides the freedom to live life on your own terms. FYZICAL combines extensive medical expertise and physical therapy experience to create the highest level of patient care. Rooted in science-driven practices and treatments, FYZICAL believes patient wellness begins and ends with personal connection. To date, FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers has grown to 110 locations in 24 states and is headquartered in Sarasota, Fla. www.fyzical.com.