Healthy Aging Resources

Fall prevention is a key  factor to healthy aging. A fall—even with no or minimal injury—can lead to a fear of falls, loss of confidence, decreased activity, and social isolation. These all increase the risk for future falls and significantly impact quality of life. A fall with injury can affect well-being, finances, and could even lead to a loss of independence.

There are local, in-person learning opportunities available to you or your loved ones.

• Take an evidence-based Stepping On group workshop proven to reduce falls by 31%. Learn more about Stepping On.
• Find a local workshop through Milwaukee County Aging Services

5 Steps to Prevent Falls

Exercise:
Starting a simple fall prevention-specific exercise routine can improve your balance and strength which may help you a stop fall from happening.

• Join a local exercise class such as Tai Chi or Yoga
• Practice a daily exercise routine focused on strength and balance
• Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about exercises that are right for you

Home Safety:
Take a look at your home at least once a year to spot safety concerns. Refer to a Fall safety checklist for more tips:

• Remove throw rugs, cluttered areas, and trip hazards
• Add light to darkened hallways and stairways
• Install grab bars in bathrooms
• Keep items such as glasses within easy reach
• Slow down
• Be aware of distractions and prioritize your balance

Did you know that Wauwatosa has a 0% interest loan program that can help with home modifications such as accessibility improvements? Learn more about Wauwatosa’s Home Repair program.

Check out other local programs that offer home safety assessments and modifications, such as Bridgeway Independent Living Designs.

Additional resources:

• Room by room fall safety (NIA)

Vision Checks:
Changes in your eye prescription may take a while to adapt to and increases fall risk. As we age eyes become slower to adjust to changes in light and are more affected by glare. Vision at night and in low light settings can be diminished and edges and can become blurry.

• Wear your glasses and keep them clean
• Wear sunglasses
• Scan area 6 feet in front of you as you walk. Avoid looking at your feet.
• Have your eyes checked yearly and if you experience any changes.

Visit Vision Forward for low vision services and adaptive products.

Foot checks and stable footwear:
As we age our feet change too. These changes may include strength in your feet and toes, and mobility in your ankles. Safe and stable footwear can greatly reduce your risk of falling.

What does stable footwear look like?

• The shoe or slipper fits well and is secured to your foot
• The sole has a good grip
• Your heel is supported and is no higher than 1.5 inches or too narrow

Have your feet checked for pain or any change in sensation, and have regular toenail routine.

Medication review:
Many medications and supplements we take every day can increase our risk of falling especially those that lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety or depression, and aid in sleep.

Some medications may interact together and cause unintentional effects.

Side effects that increase your risk are light headedness, dizziness, drowsiness, impaired balance, confusion, and slowed movements.

Review all side effects with your doctor.

• Ask your medical doctor or local pharmacist to review all medications.
• Keep an updated list of your medications including over the counter medications, herbs and supplements and bring it to all your appointments with you FDA Med list
• Stay informed. It is important to know what medications you take and how they affect you.
• Write down your questions and bring them to your medical appointments.

More Resources

25% of adults aged 65 and older are considered socially isolated, meaning the number of contacts they have with others is small. 43% report feeling lonely, and those who lack social connection are more likely to experience cardiovascular disease, develop dementia, have an increased risk for falls and are more at risk for severe depression and earlier morbidity.

Practical Tips for Reducing Isolation:

• Social Activities: Clubs, book clubs, card groups, pen pal programs, meals, support groups
• Physical Activities: Home or fitness center exercise program, walks, gardening, yoga
• Learning Activities & Brain Health: Trivia, brain teasers, health promotion program
• Entertainment Resources: Coloring books, music/theater performances, online museums, writing group
• Nurturing positivity: Gratitude journaling, mindfulness, spirituality
• Wellness Calls
• Volunteer opportunities

Join Our New Program: Tosa’s Men’s Shed

Tosa Men’s Shed is a program designed for older men to connect and find community. This program is open to any man, no need to be a resident of Wauwatosa. Programming is designed by participants, based on group interests. The Tosa Men’s Shed meets the third Friday of the month from 10AM – 12PM at the Firefly Room of the Wauwatosa Library, unless otherwise noted. Contact Michael Figueroa Osorio for more information.

Electronic Resources for Social Engagement

• Telephone Reassurance Program– Daily wellness checks for older adults. Supported by volunteers and staff of Vital Voices in partnership with Milwaukee County Aging and Disability Services.
• AARP Friendly Voice – Friendly calls from AARP volunteers.
• Friendship Line – Institute on Aging; crisis intervention and non-emergency hotline for emotional support phone calls.
• Well Connected – Virtual classes, conversations and activities by phone. Available in English and Spanish.