Submitted on Thursday July 3rd, 2014
Many older adults who have fallen believe it is best to “stay safe” and avoid falling again by restricting their activities. Unfortunately, that’s the worst thing they can do! Inactivity is a path to reduced strength and mobility, which increases the risk of a fall and injury.
One of the most important things you can do is keep your worried relative up and moving. Here are some tips:
Talk about the fear
Although you don’t want to push, it is important to talk with your relative about the risks of inactivity. This can pave the way to discussion of how to work with his or her (understandable) fear. Putting things in terms of your own concerns may be helpful. It sounds less blaming or demanding.