Your Safety

 Falls are a serious concern for seniors. According to the CDC, one in four older adults fall each year – and falling once doubles the chance of falling again!

What’s more:

• One in five falls results in a serious injury, like a fracture or head injury.
• Over 800,000 Americans are hospitalized every year following a fall.
• Every day, 88 older adults die as a result of falling.

Seniors who are lucky enough to avoid the hospital still face serious consequences of falling. Many reduce their level of activity, in fear of another fall. However, this quickly leads to weakened muscles, and, in turn, actually increases the risk of falling.

However, as grim as these statistics may sound, it’s important to realize that falling is NOT an inevitable part of growing older. In fact, most falls can be prevented by thinking ahead, staying active, and  

communicating with your healthcare providers.

Experts advise older adults to take four main steps to significantly reduce their risk of falling.

• Stay active, with a focus on exercises that improve strength and balance.
• Improve the safety of the home environment.
• Ask the doctor or pharmacist to review all medications regularly.
• Have vision and feet checked every year.

These steps may sound simple but they’re not necessarily easy.

For example, staying active can be tough for older adults who suffer from chronic pain, balance problems,  

low energy or a fear of falling. Likewise, improving home safety sounds straightforward enough – until you realize you’re not sure what you’re looking for, or which modifications are really necessary for your situation.

Happily, there’s a valuable resource available that’s very effective in helping older adults reduce their risk of falling – physical therapy.

There are a few things seniors should know about footwear and falls.

1. Falls are a serious concern. They’re a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, and they profoundly impact seniors’ independence and quality of life.
2. While falls are common among older adults, they’re NOT inevitable. Things can be done to minimize the risk and prevent most falls.
3. There are many reasons that older adults fall. Wearing the wrong footwear is a major contributor – one of the easiest to address.

There are a number of ways that wearing the wrong footwear can contribute to falling.

Slips, Trips, and Stumbles: Because many seniors’ reflexes are slowed due to age or medical conditions, they can’t always regain their balance in time if they start to slip, trip or stumble.

• Bare feet – or stocking feet – dramatically increase the risk of slipping.
• Untied laces or thin, floppy shoes are easy to trip over.
• High heels and narrow soles don’t contact the ground enough to provide good traction.
• High heels contribute to ankle instability, which increases the risk of stumbling.
• Backless slippers have been linked to falls, hip fractures, and other fall-related injuries.

Painful Feet: Painful feet can alter the way older adults walk and affect their balance. It’s also hard to keep up an active lifestyle when walking hurts!

• Shoes that are too tight can lead to calluses, corns, or other painful conditions.
• Shoes without good, supportive padding won’t prevent discomfort in the joints.

Poorly Fitting Shoes: Shoes that don’t fit well can cause pain and affect balance.

• Feet naturally spread out when walking to enhance stability. Shoes that are too small prevent the feet from doing this, impairing balance.
• Shoes that are too large, loose, or floppy can allow the foot to slide, causing instability.

What is your shoe size? Are you sure? It might not be as straightforward as you think to find the right size shoe.

• Shoe size can vary a lot from one brand to another.
• Feet change in shape and size over time. Many medical conditions can cause them to change quite drastically.
• The left and right feet are frequently different sizes.

In fact, many studies show that nearly 3 in 4 adults over the age of 65 are wearing the wrong size shoe!

It’s important that seniors don’t rely on buying footwear based on what they think their size is. Each time an older adult shops for shoes, they should try them on to find the best fit.

• The Right Length: Allow for enough space to fit one thumb in between the end of the longest toe and the end of the shoe.
• A Little Wiggle Room: There should be enough room to wiggle the toes, but not so wide that the foot slips in the shoe.
• Find the Larger Foot: If the feet are different sizes, opt for shoes that fit the larger foot.

Aside from the right size, look for these important elements when shopping for shoes or slippers for seniors.

• Wide Base of Support: A shoe with a nice, wide outsole has good contact with the ground, which increases stability.
• Strong Grip: Outer soles should have a strong, textured rubber sole. Check them periodically for wear and be sure to replace them when the tread is worn!
• Sturdy Midsole: When soles are too flexible, it’s easy to twist a foot or ankle and fall. Look for a sturdy midsole for the best stability.
• Light Weight: Heavier shoes can be tiring or difficult to walk in and seniors sometimes drag or shuffle their feet as a result. Look for footwear that’s sturdy yet lightweight.
• Closed Back: It’s far too easy to stumble out of a shoe’s open heel. Additionally, a closed heel prevents the feet from sliding slightly in the shoes, which can cause problems with balance and stability.
• Flat or Low Heel: High-heeled shoes are bad for posture, balance, and ankle stability – they increase the risk of falling quite a bit! If heels must be worn, keep them under an inch in height.
• Snug Fit: Avoid shoes with a loose or floppy design, such as flip-flops or slip-on slippers. Be sure to discard any footwear that has grown stretched or worn out over time.
• Velcro Closure: It’s common for older feet to swell during the day. As they do, shoes with laces or velcro can be adjusted to ensure a good fit. Since slip-on shoes can’t be adjusted, they should generally  
• be avoided by seniors. Laces can be harder to manage and are easy to trip over if they come untied, so velcro is usually the best bet.

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends the 1-2-3 Test when it comes to selecting new shoes for older adults.

1. Press in on both sides of the shoe’s heel. The heel should feel stiff and hold its shape without collapsing inward.
2. Bend the toes upward. The sole should be a little flexible but shouldn’t bend much.
3. Twist the shoe to the left and right. The sole should keep its shape, and should not warp.

Other tips for shoe shopping include:

• Go shoe shopping in the afternoon, when feet tend to be at their largest. Feet can fluctuate in size as swelling comes and goes throughout the day.
• Don’t forget to bring anything you plan to wear in the shoe when you try them on, such as heavy socks, orthotic insoles, or a brace.
• Try shoes on both feet, and walk around a little in them. The right pair of shoes will feel comfortable from the start. There is no need to “break them in”.
• Older adults should have their feet measured each time they shop for shoes. If it’s not possible, trace the outline of both feet onto paper and measure that.
• The APMA grants its Seal of Acceptance to shoes that they’ve recognized as being beneficial for foot health. Not every appropriate shoe will bear this mark, but when you find one you know it’s been tested and recognized as being beneficial for good foot health.

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 81 percent of bathroom injuries occur due to slips and falls in the shower or tub. Bathing - what was once a simple routine - can become difficult or even dangerous for the aging adult.

Walk-in tubs serve the same purpose as regular tubs but allow individuals with limited mobility to bathe more independently. Walk-in tubs are fundamental for seniors who wish to remain in their homes as they age. While still maintaining independence, older adults can safely experience a relaxing and therapeutic bath with walk-in tubs.

So, how does a walk-in tub work? Generally, walk-in tubs have a side door that you open to step into the tub easily. Standard tubs require lifting the leg and stepping over the bath wall – increasing the possibility of falling and injuring yourself. The walk-in tub door seals when it closes, making it watertight to prevent leakage.

Most walk-in tubs contain:

• Non-skid flooring – This special flooring helps to prevent slips and falls.
• Handlebars – These safety bars are typically for stability during entry and exit from the tub.
• Built-in seat – Chair-height seats are built into the tub to avoid dangerous repositioning from standing to laying.
• Textured seating – This prevents individuals from slipping off the seat.

For a walk-in tub with a shower, you can choose to include an extendable showerhead. This option allows for a comfortable wash overhead while seated in the tub. Whirlpool and jacuzzi features are usually available for hydrotherapy.

Walk-in tubs come in many different shapes and sizes – and frequently have options to add on extra features, some of which we discussed above. When choosing a walk-in tub, you may want to compare your options to see which one meets your specific needs. Here are a few different types of walk-in tubs to choose from:

• Hydrotherapy – Often referred to as jacuzzi or whirlpool tubs, these tubs contain strong jets that massage sore muscles and may help to alleviate pain and inflammation in conditions such as:
  • Ulcers
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Arthritis
• Aromatherapy – These walk-in tubs allow you to incorporate essential oils into the bathwater to promote a soothing and relaxing experience.
• Wheelchair Accessible – These tubs have wide-swinging doors for roll-in access, making an easy transfer from the wheelchair to the seat inside the tub.
• Bariatric – These walk-in tubs are designed to support people who weigh more than 300 pounds.

You can turn a traditional bathtub into a walk-in shower, but here are some crucial aspects to consider when doing so.

A walk-in tub conversion consists of turning your traditional bathtub into a walk-in shower. The company you choose to make the conversion will make the necessary modifications depending on your needs. For instance, if you would like to convert your traditional tub to a walk-in shower only, removing part of the bath wall to create a low threshold is required to accommodate walk-in access. However, if you would like to keep the traditional bathtub option in addition to the walk-in shower, then installing a sealable door on the tub wall is required. This door allows for walk-in access and a sealed traditional tub.

Please keep in mind that a complete conversion from a traditional bathtub to a walk-in tub is not ideal. As we discussed above, walk-in tubs generally have a built-in seat for comfort and safety. A traditional tub wall is just not high enough to accommodate a seat inside. If a standard walk-in tub is what you're looking for, your best bet would be to completely remove the traditional tub and replace it with a walk-in tub. We'll talk about costs and brands in the next section.

Before we get into the cost of walk-in tubs, let's first discuss the hefty hospital bill seniors may face after a fall. A trip to the hospital often costs $30,000 or more for a fall injury. Many seniors are on fixed incomes, and a $30,000 bill can add unpleasant financial stress to a physical injury. Because walk-in tubs are designed to eliminate bathing hazards, you may already be thinking just how worth it walk-in tubs really are.

The average cost of a walk-in tub with installation can range anywhere from $2000 - $20,000. As with anything else, the brand and added features can tack on higher costs. While these prices may seem alarming, keep in mind that it's still less expensive than a fall-related hospital bill.

Now that we have discussed walk-in tubs and their overall costs, let's talk about a few household brand names with quality tubs for seniors and excellent customer satisfaction.

Kohler

With over 140 years of engineering expertise, Kohler tubs are designed to give you a truly spa-like experience. They are manufactured in the United States with a variety of added features to choose from. The Kohler walk-in bath offers an ultra-low 3" step-in and is equipped with fast-drain technology to minimize waiting time.

For more information, visit: https://www.kohlerwalkinbath.com/.

American Standard

American Standard walk-in tubs are known to include safety and functionality benefits, such as one-touch hydrotherapy jets and a spacious bathtub with a low threshold. They provide lifetime warranties on their door seals and free installation estimates.

For more information, visit: americanstandardwalkinbaths.com.

Get an added layer of protection for seniors living independently by pairing a walk-in tub with a medical alert device. These devices come with numerous options but nonetheless provide peace of mind knowing that help is on the way immediately after pressing the medical alert button.

The MY Alert Classic is an in-home base unit that comes with a waterproof help button. Or, for maximum protection, get the Waterproof Wall Button that you can easily attach to any flat surface, including your walk-in tub. Summon emergency help when needed, even in the bathroom where most fall injuries occur.

References:

https://www.seniorliving.org/walk-in-tubs/ https://www.bathplanet.com/baths/walk-in-tub/ https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/16/health/research/16stats.html https://www.renewitrefinishing.com/walk-in-tub.php

 Throughout the pandemic, online shopping has become increasingly popular. We shop online for convenience and safety from COVID-19.  But what some people don't realize is that the internet may not be as safe as we think.  There is a shocking amount of information about you on the web, making it easier for your personal information to be compromised.

Furthermore, your personal information is at risk even over the phone, especially for seniors. The vulnerability of this highly sensitive data is why protecting your identity is essential.

Read along to learn more about personally identifiable information (PPI), how to protect yourself, and three of the best identity theft protection companies for seniors.  

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that can be used to identify a particular individual, such as:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Credit or debit card information
• Bank account information
• Mailing or email address
• Biometrics information – data that is obtained by measuring a person's physical features to verify their identity. For example, the iPhone's fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European data privacy law that requires organizations to keep sensitive information safe, including companies outside of the European Union. While this new law grants people more rights regarding how businesses handle their PII, it is still important to personally take charge of your identity protection.

Personally identifiable information (PII) is any data that can be used to identify a particular individual, such as:

• Social security number
• Date of birth
• Credit or debit card information
• Bank account information
• Mailing or email address
• Biometrics information – data that is obtained by measuring a person's physical features to verify their identity. For example, the iPhone's fingerprint and facial recognition technology.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a European data privacy law that requires organizations to keep sensitive information safe, including companies outside of the European Union. While this new law grants people more rights regarding how businesses handle their PII, it is still important to personally take charge of your identity protection.

It is essential that seniors first know how to recognize and protect themselves from phone scams to further understand online fraudulence. Three of the most common telemarketing schemes include:

• Government Impersonation Scams – Where fraudsters pose as government officials and demand senior victims to provide funds or be faced with prosecution.
• Charity Scams – When criminals solicit money for fake charities, especially during or after a crisis.
• Fake-relative Ploy – This is when scammers pose as a relative – usually a grandchild or grand-niece/nephew – and fabricates a dramatic story in which they are desperate for money.

It is essential that seniors first know how to recognize and protect themselves from phone scams to further understand online fraudulence. Three of the most common telemarketing schemes include:

• Government Impersonation Scams – Where fraudsters pose as government officials and demand senior victims to provide funds or be faced with prosecution.
• Charity Scams – When criminals solicit money for fake charities, especially during or after a crisis.
• Fake-relative Ploy – This is when scammers pose as a relative – usually a grandchild or grand-niece/nephew – and fabricates a dramatic story in which they are desperate for money.

Legitimate bill collectors will never threaten to arrest you for unpaid debt. So don't worry, no one is coming for you.  Here are some other things to remember to protect yourself from phone scams:

• Never give any PPI over the phone (including data discussed above).
• Talk to your phone company about how to reduce spam calls. Most carriers offer security apps to stop unwanted calls.
• Do some research online with any contact information you have on hand, such as a phone number, name, email, etc. Many times other people have posted information about similar scamming situations.

According to the AARP, over one in four adults over the age of 55 have experienced identity theft.

Typically, once you share your information with anyone (retailers, medical facilities, employers, etc.), it is readily available for fraudsters to steal. So how can you protect yourself against identity theft? There are many identity theft protection companies to help you keep your identity safe. Before we get into those, here are three primary protection services these companies offer:

• Credit & Identity Monitoring – Identity theft protection firms monitor your credit files and notify you when there is activity, such as new accounts opened in your name and credit inquires. Identity theft protection services can also detect concerns such as:
• Change of address request
• Court records that show falsely related crimes in your name
• Unauthorized payday loan applications using your personal information
• Attempts to dominate your credit cards and/or bank information
• Your PII on the dark web
• Identity Recovery – After identity theft occurs, protection services may dispute fraudulent accounts to the credit bureaus and contact creditors directly on your behalf.
• Identity Theft Insurance – Protection services may cover the cost of repairing your identity if you become a victim of fraud, some policies offering up to $1 million in damage.

Now that you are more familiar with the three leading services most protection firms have to offer, here are three of the best identity theft protection companies for seniors.

Known for its award-winning and customer satisfaction ratings, Identity Guard provides identity theft protection using IBM's Watson computer system to scan the dark web. This artificial intelligence monitors millions of articles and social media posts daily to detect threats. There are three tiers designed for individual consumers and three levels for family plans. Upper-tier family plans include monitoring for potential cyberbullying for kids. Identity Guard also offers safe browsing tools to protect your sensitive data while shopping, banking, or paying bills online.

One of the top three reporting credit bureaus, Experian now offers comprehensive identity theft protection for individuals of all ages. Experian IdentityWorks has two levels of identity theft protection that include family plans. Members are also able to lock and unlock their Experian reports to prevent fraud.

The million-dollar protection package offers three different plans that provide a comprehensive suite of security tools. Partnered with Norton 360, LifeLock provides computer and device protection that provides propriety alerts, 24/7 customer support, and a two-month money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Most older adults have good credit, assets (houses, cars, etc.), and a robust savings account. It is no wonder why this population is at significant risk for identity theft. If you or your senior loved one suspect's identity theft and are not secured by an identity theft protection firm, please call the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877- 438- 4338 or visit online at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft.

You may tend to get overwhelmed when shopping for a protection plan. Take your time figuring out what is best for you, and keep an eye out for the best deals to save money. Also, make sure that the company that you choose offers all three services listed above. Take control of your identity and sleep better at night knowing you are protected.

https://www.identityforce.com/blog/identity-theft-odds-identity-theft-statistics

https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2020/identity-fraud-survey.html

https://www.seniorliving.org/identity-theft-protection/best/

https://www.csoonline.com/article/3215864/how-to-protect-personally-identifiable-information-pii-under-gdpr.html?page=2

https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/finance/comparing-identity-theft-protection-services

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/do-you-need-identity-theft-protection/

For much of the continental U.S., winter is a lot like taxes – one of the harsher realities of life. With its icy walkways, shoveling requirements and plunging temperatures, it also represents one of the more dangerous times of the year for older adults.   

Jim Miller, editor of Savvy Senior, recently shared some valuable home and auto safety tips seniors can use to stay safe as the thermometer mercury plummets:

Home heating safety: More home fires happen during the winter months than any other time of the year, mainly due to home heating devices. In addition, heating devices and household appliances that are fueled by gas, oil, kerosene or wood in a closed-up house can produce deadly carbon monoxide gas. 

Some simple things seniors can do to protect themselves are: 

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of the home.  Make sure to check the batteries every month and change them at least once a year. 

• If you’re using a space heater remember they need space and air circulation around them.  Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from the heater, and if you’re planning to buy a new space heater get one that automatically shuts off if the heater tips over. 
• If you use a wood burning fireplace, make sure you have a glass front or screen large enough to catch flying sparks and rolling logs.  You should also have the chimney flue pipe checked and cleaned once a year.
• Get an ABC multi-purpose fire extinguisher for the home; learn how to use it and check it yearly to be sure is working.

Winter auto safety:  To ensure wintertime driving safety — if you live in a cold climate — have your vehicle serviced and winterized so it’s ready for winter driving and winter road conditions. 

Some specific items to be checked are: 

• Tires: Check the tire air pressure and make sure your tires have sufficient tread (Insider tip: if you think you need new tires, you can avoid the high prices of the local tire shops – or keep them honest – but checking prices against a couple online tire outlets).
• Radiator: Have the anti-freeze levels checked.
• Belts: Inspect the belts and hoses for cracks or leaks.
• Oil: Ask your mechanic about switching to a thinner grade of engine oil for better performance in colder temperatures. 
• Wipers: Inspect the windshield wipers and wiper fluid to ensure better visibility.
• Battery: Make sure the battery is fully charged.

Preventing wintertime falls:  A common problem among the elderly are slips and falls which result in injury, which tend to happen more frequently in winter due to wet and slippery conditions. To help prevent wintertime falls, seniors should:  

• Wear shoes or boots with non-skid soles.
• Stay only on sidewalks or areas that have been cleared of snow and ice.
• Use handrails when available.
• Avoid going out after dark or in hazardous weather conditions. 

But if you’re an active senior, and wintertime slips and falls are a concern, you may also want to investigate getting a medical alert system that allows you to access help even when outside and away from your home, to ensure if a fall occurs, you have access to help immediately. 

With just a couple preventive measures, winter can be more about the wonder and less about the danger.

Physical Activity Is Essential To Healthy Aging

According to the CDC, only 35-44% of adults over the age of 75 are physically active. This means that over roughly 21 million older adults are not getting the recommended 150 minutes of moderate activity and two days of muscle-strengthening activity each week.

According to the Stroke Network, a major reason for lack of exercise in older adults is due to a fear of falling, especially if they have fallen before. With the fear of falling, exercise is frequently limited in response, which then in turn increases the risk of a fall. The fear and risk of falling then become a cycle.

MY Alert offers a solution to help break that cycle: its Solo medical alert system works both in the home and away from the home on the AT&T Cellular Network, so no landline is required. The system can be used across the country while traveling, while out golfing, walking, or even in the home. The system utilizes GPS, so operators can send help right to the user with the push of a button.

MobileHelp Solo is also compatible with the company’s Fall Button, an automatic fall detection pendant. This pendant provides extra protection by automatically sending an alarm if the user falls and is unable to push their button.

The security this device provides gives users the freedom to live a more active lifestyle.