Excerpted from McKnights Clinical Daily by Alicia Lasek

More than a quarter of older adults say they are in worse physical condition now than before the pandemic, suggesting a heightened potential for falls, a new national poll has found.

More than a third of older respondents to the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging said that their physical activity declined in the first 10 months of the pandemic. More than 1 in four of these adults, aged 50 and 80 years old, also said that their flexibility, muscle strength and endurance had worsened alongside their mobility, even when using a cane, walker or vehicle.

What’s more, many respondents had become more fearful of falls, including nearly half of those age 65 and older. In fact, the percentage who reported less physical activity, worsened physical conditioning or worsened mobility were most concerned about taking a tumble. Notably, a lack of companionship was also tied to these fears. 

Fear of falling strongly predicts activity declines and increases the risk of falls, according to the investigators. The poll results underscore an urgent need for pandemic-era fall risk interventions that improve seniors’ physical functioning, the report’s authors wrote. Classic falls prevention interventions such as exercise and in-home safety modifications should be given higher-than-usual priority given the scope of decline in physical functioning at this time, they urged clinicians. 

“We need to make up for lost time and get older adults on track, or back on track, with the kinds of movement and strengthening that can safeguard their independence by reducing their risk of falls or of major fall-related injuries,” said poll director Preeti Malani, M.D., of Michigan Medicine. “Even better if this happens in conjunction with social interaction.”

Falls contribute to the deaths of more than 32,000 older adults each year. The number has risen steadily as the U.S. population ages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

If you are considering buying, selling or leasing an RCFE, please call us TODAY to explore your options.  We would be delighted to evaluate your business and provide price guidance.  We will help you obtain the highest possible price for your RCFE. 

Michelle (949) 397- 4506 & Melvyn (949) 500-3630

The owner of this website has made a committment to accessibility and inclusion, please report any problems that you encounter using the contact form on this website. This site uses the WP ADA Compliance Check plugin to enhance accessibility. Skip to content