https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2017/how-to-fall-safely.html
This is a great article for baby boomers. I’m a klutz, and have fallen down more times than I care to count. My most recent spill was while on vacation. I was taking a photo and fell backwards over a curb. Thank goodness some bushes broke my fall.
I am currently recovering from knee replacement surgery. It’s winter here in Wisconsin and I’m deathly afraid of taking another tumble while trying to walk with a cane.
Fortunately for me, I do know how to fall. When I was a kid, I was always fighting with my two older brothers. They use to chase me around the house, and outside I would always be tripping on something. I learned how to tuck and roll. I never really got hurt except for a few scrapes here and there.
Just last week we had our first snowfall, and my car windows were ice covered. I worked late and had to scrape my car off. The parking lot was empty, and I was thinking “crappity crap crap, if I fall down, who is going to help me?”
As you get older though, falling down is no joke. I am forever looking down when I walk. It’s really important to watch where you are going when traveling in a foreign country. I have found out the hard way that other countries do not have the same construction standards we have in the United States.
I think it’s important to not be carrying so many things at once. I carry a purse and lately a backpack when I go to work. I constantly see people looking at their phones when they go anywhere, and looking down. Is someone texting you or whatever more important than your safety? I do wonder sometimes.
Hitting one’s head as you get older can lead to serious problems. Lucky for me when I wiped out on vacation, I was wearing a wig and a hat, and they both protected my head when I fell.
Be safe out there my friends.
cornfedcontessa 
Whoops, I’ve already done it “twice”. Fell over, broke my left ankle, a few years ago, then a year later, exactly, on the same day, fell over, broke my right ankle, on both occasions I was playing golf !! 😉
Ouch! Who knew golf was so dangerous! LOL!
I mastered the art of falling down from an early age. Now if only I can learn how to stop walking into sharp objects….
Joking aside, be careful out there! I hate that people are always on their phones while walking but I am guilty of it myself. However, I always make sure I look up a million times so that I don’t walk into anyone. The number of times I have to stop directly in front of someone so that they see that they’re about to cause a collision is ridiculous. Smartphones have made us not-so-smart.
Shoe traction devices are one option for you. I use Stabil-Icers from LL Bean.Its like an ice pick strapped on my shoe. Since you’re from Wisconsin, I know Lands End is situated there. I don’t know if that company also carries such devices like LL Bean but maybe they do too since they also specialize in winter wear like LL Bean. Take care!
I actually have some of those! Thanks for the suggestion.
You’re welcome.
I have fallen so many times over the years: down stairs, up stairs, in the snow, on perfectly dry pavement, out of buses, stepping off curbs, stepping on to curbs, etc.
And at 61, I know my old body won’t take a fall like it used to, so thanks for this!
You are so welcome.
I am at that age where falling is becoming a concern. I try to keep flexible with stretching every morning and walking/ hiking with a hope to remain mobile as I age. I am not embarassed to hold onto a stair rail as I descend them. One day my daughter spoke to me as I hit a top step in sock feet – I fell and slid down the stairs on my lower back, fortunately not hitting my head. Keith
Ouch! Be careful Keith! I wear Crocs sandals in the house because me and socks don’t play well together.
I don’t think the crocs will suit me. But, the idea is sound.
They are super comfy and non slip.
Reblogged this on Praying for Eyebrowz and commented:
Great piece by cornfedcontessa.com. If you are a frequent faller, like I am, this could come in handy!
Thanks for the reblog!
As a riding instructor, I used to give a lesson every year on ‘falling off’. My students thought I was nuts, but you’re right – it’s so important to know how to fall. ‘breaking’ your fall many times ends up with a broken bone, so going limp and rolling to your side is best. That said, I’ve hit the ground (without a horse’s help) too many times as I’ve gotten older and it is my greatest fear. Your suggestion of a backpack is a good one. I used to use a backpack purse, I think I’ll go back to that. For me, the best way to avoid a fall is to slow down and walk intentionally.
Thanks for the great tips!
I’ve always been one to trip over my own feet for no reason. Falling down is no joke, these days. Once down, it’s very hard to get back up.
I just hope I don’t wreck my other knee! Thanks for stopping by.
🙂
canes are great for smacking people with. just blame the meds like I do. 😉
Now that sounds like a good idea! Thanks Jim!
Loved your post. I thought you might appreciate my post where I have a conversation with the floor. It includes older age and falling. Here goes:
https://overthehillontheyellowbrickroad.com/2017/09/07/conversation-witha-floorhaving-panic-attacks-about-aging/
Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to check it out!
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
SO THAT’S HOW IT’LL HAPPEN!!!! HAVEN’T YET—BUT I’M WORKING ON IT!
Thanks for the reblog!
Reblogged this on Die Erste Eslarner Zeitung – Aus und über Eslarn, sowie die bayerisch-tschechische Region!.
Thanks for the reblog!
Oh wow. Best of luck on the knee recovery and be safe and careful out in this wintery weather.
Thank you!