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In reply to the discussion: I fell on my head again last night [View all]

Trueblue Texan

(3,332 posts)
21. This is a compensation that can become a big problem.
Fri Dec 27, 2024, 10:31 AM
Dec 2024

But sitting mindfully can prevent a lot of falls. When you sit down, make sure BOTH your legs are touching the sitting surface, reach back with one hand to help guide and lower yourself gently onto the sitting surface. Widen your stance slightly for improved stability if you need to. It's ok to bend slightly forward as long as you don't bend so far that you shift your weight off your feet, you will not fall forward. We naturally lean forward when standing to shift our weight from our butt to our feet and vice versa. Losing this ingrained pattern of body mechanics (due to weakness, injury, or fear of falling) is one of the reasons people become unable to stand independently. (I HATE those lift chairs for that reason!) It's a matter of balance, leveraging the weight of your body against gravity, and it's good to be mindful of the feeling of your weight shifting from your butt to your feet and vice versa as you move from sitting to standing, standing to sitting. Moving straight down into the chair from standing, with no bending forward at all, can actually cause imbalance and cause you to topple backwards.

Recommendations

1 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I fell on my head again last night [View all] cyclonefence Dec 2024 OP
I too am a "faller." It's awful, and yes, scary. CaliforniaPeggy Dec 2024 #1
No, you're probably not the most decrepit 'senior' here, and likely not the only 'faller.' elleng Dec 2024 #2
There are some great tips here Betty Boom Dec 2024 #3
All these maneuvers require strong abdominal muscles that many of us do not have question everything Dec 2024 #6
See how she tips her head FORWARD when... Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #22
I am a faller, age 78. My falls are generally attributed to problems brer cat Dec 2024 #4
I'm steady but live alone, far even from neighbors. usonian Dec 2024 #5
can you do this Skittles Dec 2024 #7
My ex had a stretch with vertigo. rubbersole Dec 2024 #8
Oh dear... 2naSalit Dec 2024 #9
Might I suggest getting a walker, and a cane if you dont already have them. CentralMass Dec 2024 #10
i used to trip a lot when i was faster + tumbling helped me always land on my ass. pansypoo53219 Dec 2024 #11
CALL 911 AverageOldGuy Dec 2024 #12
Good advice. There's a reason I'm asked about falls at every medical appointment underpants Dec 2024 #31
a rechargeable timms139 Dec 2024 #13
Why are you using night lights? A night light bulb is about 7 watts Figarosmom Dec 2024 #14
This is a compensation that can become a big problem. Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #21
Lift chairs are horrible Betty Boom Dec 2024 #26
you might be dehydrated? IbogaProject Dec 2024 #15
I fall a lot. I have taken to wearing knee pads, and I'm AnotherDreamWeaver Dec 2024 #16
I'm scared about falling too. irisblue Dec 2024 #17
I've never had a good sense of balance Siwsan Dec 2024 #18
One of the best fall prevention strategies is to change your environment to support your safety. Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #19
The most common cause of falls ... Trueblue Texan Dec 2024 #20
100% this Betty Boom Dec 2024 #25
Link on how to use a "rollater" (walker with wheels) CentralMass Dec 2024 #23
So sorry you fell and had a scare. It is scary. Hoping you heal quickly. 58Sunliner Dec 2024 #24
I have developed a habit of falling asleep on the toilet. LakeArenal Dec 2024 #27
I asked for and received a toilet seat with side handles No Vested Interest Dec 2024 #33
My husband is a faller SARose Dec 2024 #28
My dad just uses a urinal ne t to the bed at night MotownPgh Dec 2024 #30
I'm a 78 yr old faller Submariner Dec 2024 #29
I've been using Hurrycanes for several years. No Vested Interest Dec 2024 #34
That's the ticket Submariner Dec 2024 #35
Someone needs to come up with ReRe Dec 2024 #32
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