Joe Leto, President, Garden City Retired Men’s Club; Grace Rowan, MSN, RN, Community Outreach Educator at Winthrop; Kathleen S. Casey, Physical Therapist at Winthrop Home Care and George Salem, Programs Director, Garden City Retired Men’s Club On February 22nd, the Garden City Retired Men’s Club hosted a presentation on the subject of “Fall Prevention for Seniors.” A highly enthusiastic group of more than 60 men and women attended. Obviously the topic was very appealing to Garden City seniors; we had perhaps the largest attendance in the three-year history of the Club’s monthly speakers’ program. Perhaps one-third of the attendees were non-member seniors—who had been cordially invited.

The principal speaker, from Winthrop University Hospital, was Grace Rowan—a Community Outreach Educator—with three degrees in nursing and over three decades of experience in her field. She has been a senior assistant nursing administrator at a major medical center and at Winthrop for 12 years. Currently, she serves as chief of nurse recruitment at Winthrop. Grace did an absolutely fabulous job of educating the attendees using powerpoint slides and a friendly and vivacious delivery. This writer received many favorable comments after the meeting ended.

Without attempting to review the details of the hour-long presentation, here are some of the key points Ms. Rowan made:

Falls are a risk inside and outside of the home with a high proportion of fractures of the hip, forearm and other parts of the body.

After age 65, risks of falling rise dramatically.

We all should assess the home environment to reduce risks. This includes making sure throw rugs are not loose, stairways are well lit, walkways are clear of clutter, wires are not located in walking space, railings on stairs are located inside and outside the home, grab-bars are installed in shower and tub, and rubber mats are inside and outside the tub. Never walk barefoot or in stocking feet in the home, and when outside, do not wear open back shoes (such as Crocs). Shoes should have non-skid soles. Keep emergency phone numbers handy and keep a cellphone in your pocket and/or wear an alarm device to call for emergency help. Crucially, in winter watch for slippery snow and black ice.

A major step to prevent falls is exercising to increase balance, strength and flexibility—in ankles, hips and knees. Many exercises can be performed while sitting in a chair or while standing holding a chair. Exercise is also proven to improve sleep quality, cognition, prevent strokes, cancers, depression and reduce joint pain. Tai-chi is good for greater energy and flexibility.

Finally, in the area of health care—have eyes examined for sight impairment, hearing examined and take medications as prescribed. Don’t self-medicate or take medical advice from friends and relatives.

In sum, Ms. Rowan greatly increased our awareness of risks of falling. Not only did the Garden City Retired Men’s Club have the best attended speaker program, but importantly, one of the most useful subject matter to improve the quality of life of its members and guests.