How to talk to your doctor about balance and fall prevention
As we get older, it's common to start to experience changes in balance. These changes can be due to a number of factors including age-related muscle loss.
Changes in our balance can make us more likely to fall. Up to 1 in 4 older adults experience a fall every year. While balance changes are normal and falls are common, there are steps that you can take to reduce your risk, including by making Bold a regular part of your routine.
Talking about balance, especially if you've experienced a fall before, can feel vulnerable. But it's important to bring your doctor into the conversation. Your doctor can help you understand the factors that could influence your sense of balance, and offer additional ways to reduce your fall risk.
If you're looking for help starting the conversation, you've come to the right place.
To start your conversation, share if you’ve had a fall or if you’ve had other issues with your balance. You can also share how long ago they happened or when they started. This can provide a helpful context for your healthcare team so they can help you find strategies that work best for you.
Next, mention how long you’ve been participating in Bold, and how many times per week you’re exercising. Bold’s exercise programs are designed to help you improve balance and strength as you age, which is a great way to reduce fall risk, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. Your healthcare team is a key resource when it comes to fall prevention.
”When I work with patients who’ve had a fall or have challenges with gait, one of the first things that comes up is fear of falling,” says Dr. Nish Shah, DPT, Clinical Programs at Bold. “Fear can often make people avoid movement or exercise in general. This sometimes causes people to become more sedentary, which can actually make someone more likely to fall. As a physical therapist, I like to talk through safe and effective ways to prevent falls with my patients, such as balance training. Open conversations can help me provide other recommendations to improve their balance, like guiding them to schedule a hearing or vision test with their providers.”
Ahead of your next appointment, fill out and bring this checklist to talk through fall prevention strategies.
And be sure to keep moving with Bold for better balance — see you in class!