ONE SLIP OR FALL

Sir Issac Newton is recognized for saying, “What goes up must come down.” The famous mathematics professor, physicist, astronomer, theologian, author, and inventor was referring to the law of gravity, with an apple falling out of a tree, the most commonly used example of what triggered his curiosity.

Research shows that an apple did not actually hit Newton on the head as some writers and cartoonists like to candidly portray.

Senior citizens should understand the law of gravity more than anyone, realizing that if they start a day out by standing, hopefully, it’ll end that way without them falling. Unfortunately, falling poses a significant danger for seniors, as it can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, and a loss of independence.

Even a simple fall may result in hospitalization or long-term health complications, making fall prevention a crucial concern for older adults and their families. I constantly warn my wife not to leave her slippers on the living room floor. Our coffee table is rock solid and nothing to stumble into.

I’ve heard too many horror stories about older citizens falling and breaking hips, with full recovery not always taking place. In Alaska during winter, my mother wore removable cleats on the bottom of her shoes to prevent slipping on snow and ice.

With her having osteoporosis, a fall could’ve been devastating. Always cautioning me about climbing ladders, going back to childhood, Mom never stood on one after age 70.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls from ladders are a leading cause of injury among older adults, especially during home maintenance tasks. In the United States, nearly 500,000 people are treated annually for ladder-related injuries, and adults aged 65 and older are at significantly higher risk of serious outcomes.

Reports show that one out of four older people will take a tumble. The chance of them falling again more than doubles after having the first. Reflexes and coordination slowly decrease as a person ages. Perhaps that’s why playing tennis professionally is a young person’s sport.

Data shows that about one in four ladder-related injuries in this age group results in hospitalization, and falls from ladders account for a substantial portion of fatal falls among seniors. Taking preventive measures and using proper equipment can help reduce these risks.

I’ve always been one to use caution while climbing a ladder and have had no accidents, that is, until the other day. I was coming down a ladder while helping a friend work on his pontoon boat. Wearing sandals, somehow the right sole went underneath the left. I plummeted to the ground much faster than a plump Granny Smith apple.

Landing on my hip while hitting the front of my head on a retaining wall at the same time, the actual fall didn’t hurt me; it was the sudden stop on hard concrete that created damage. Blood oozed from arms, legs, and head, with crimson red on my shirt and pants, making things seem worse than they were.

It took several seconds to regain my senses before I hobbled into the house to check things out. After some cleaning of wounds with alcohol and the application of large Band-Aids, I was bruised and sore from head to toe, but still good to go. Thankfully, no bones were broken.

Sir Issac Newton was correct in his analysis regarding gravity. “What goes up must come down.” I’ve made a personal observation about clumsy older people like myself. They should refrain from using ladders, rather than risk falling on cold, hard ground.

I’m sure Sir Issac Newton, who lived to be 84, would add the following for senior citizens, “Look out when walking for shoes, marbles, pets, and wet spots on the floor. One slip or fall could end it all!”