The Truth About Falling. Don't Fall for These Myths.

We’ve all heard the saying that ignorance is bliss, but that sure isn’t true when it comes to your health and safety. The more you know about the risks of falling, the better prepared you can be. But you may be surprised to discover there are some big myths out there when it comes to falling.

MyNotifi went to work to debunk these 5 common myths!

Myth #1:

Falling is not a big deal. If I fall, I’ll just get up again.
Fact: Sure, it’s true that some falls aren’t serious, but many falls are very serious and can be an indication that additional falls could follow. In fact, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal, and also fatal injuries for Americans over 65. And even if the injuries aren’t life-threatening, they may be life-changing. Some injuries make it impossible for our boomer population to continue living independently. It’s important that we all take falls very seriously.

Myth #2:

Falling is inevitable as you age.
Fact: Falling is definitely more common as we get older. In fact, each year one in four US seniors will experience a fall. But it’s not inevitable. There are simple, smart things you can do to reduce the risks as you age. Get regular vision checkups. Ask your doctor to review the side effects of your medications. Some medications cause dizziness and balance problems. Make sure you drink plenty of water and eat a healthy diet. And most importantly, stay active.

Myth #3:

Limiting my activity will help prevent falls.
Fact: Sorry, but no. In fact, physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, and it’s also one of the best ways to prevent falls. The most effective exercises are ones geared toward lower body strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance. But even light activity, walking your dog, for example, or working in your garden, can increase your energy level and alertness, and decrease your risk of falling. 

Myth #4:

If I stay home, I’m less likely to have a serious fall.
Fact: The truth is that the majority of falls will happen when you’re home. There are plenty of easy things you can do to help make your home safer, though. Reduce the clutter, especially at your bedside, in walkways, and on the stairs. Watch out for electric cords or throw rugs that could trip you up. Use a sturdy step ladder when you have to reach for things in high places. And turn up the lighting. It’s easier to avoid falling and other accidents when you can see where you’re going and what you’re doing.

Myth #5:

Once you’ve lost your muscle tone and flexibility, they’re gone for good.
Fact: Fortunately, this just isn’t true. It’s never too late to start getting the benefits of exercise. Sure, even as early as our 30s we can start lose muscle tissue and bone density with age. But exercise can really help with muscle tone and flexibility. Exercise, especially if it’s geared towards lower body strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance can have a substantial positive impact on your risk of falling. 

​So, here’s our first fall prevention and awareness tip: be prepared! MyNotifi is a fall detection and prevention device, designed to recognize falls and strengthen your lower body. Choose from the colorful MyNotifi wrist worn device, or the MyNotifi clip, which mounts to your belt. When the device detects a fall, first it verifies with you that you need assistance. If you confirm that you do, or if you don’t answer at all, it sends out a notification via your smartphone to a list of friends, families or neighbors that you select, letting them know that you may need help. 

And MyNotifi does more than fall detection. It also helps with fall prevention. The MyNotifi app comes preset with 38 certified physical therapy exercises to help you develop lower body strength, flexibility, balance, and range of motion. The app gently guides you through your program, and helps you keep track of how you’re doing.

Stay active, and take this fall detection protection with you. Don’t let your fear of falling stop you. Even a little bit of exercise can help. Because MyNotifi works with your phone, it goes with you wherever you go.

For more information about MyNotifi, check out mynotifi.com.

For more information on falling and fall prevention, check out The National Council on Aging (NCOA) at ncoa.org.