Thanksgiving 2019 Survey Feedback
As a group, about half of participants in the Survey were 65 and over (49%) and lived in their own homes (95%). They lived in 15 states and 3 countries.
This is a not a random sample representing a larger population. It is a small (less than 100) convenience sample and therefore should only be taken as a possible indicator of what others might say.
Despite being only a convenience sample, this group resembles the national population in some ways: about 40% experienced a fall in the past year, about half (53%) of those who fell were injured by that
Getting Safer. Among all participants, 40% made one or more changes to prevent falls. The most frequent changes reported:
- being more careful, not multi-tasking, slowing down
- holding on to banisters/railings on stairs
- being aware of balance, using walking poles, staying inside when icy weather
- remaining fit, joined Silver Sneakers
- bought sneakers, shoes with treads, shoes with good grip
- cleaned up floors, picked up throw rugs
- got sturdy step stool, no ladders
Your Priorities for More Information. We asked what safety topics were of interest.
- The greatest consensus, about half (53%), was for information about Balance.
- Other areas with about 40% to 50% interest included: home modifications, food and water, sleep and incontinence, social isolation, fear of falling, strength building, chronic conditions, and decluttering.
- The remaining areas had low consensus, which is to say there were many different interests.
Your Suggestions about “Moving More.” Most frequent responses were:
- creating interruptions with alarm clocks or apps
- using interruptions to do exercises, yoga
- create walk paths in the home and use them during television commercials
- walking while talking on cell phone, walking meetings
- doing activities with children/grandchildren
A general concern about moving more was noted: some people find movement involves pain. An alternative thought was “do what moves you.”
Impact of Your Feedback
- With the high degree of consensus in mind, this Issue expands the Fitness section, adding to the sub-section Balance.
- Based on participant interest, Preventfalls.net will address an additional priority lifesaver in each upcoming Issue, beginning in this Issue. See the Lifesavers section, sub-sections Grab Bars & Railings and Floors, Doors, & Heights.
- The suggestions about moving more were very helpful. We examine them further in Lifesavers, sub-section, Move More.
Thanks for your participation in the Survey! Your guidance for this new website is helping all of us avoid falls and Live Well Longer! Watch for a new survey in 2020.
Prevent Falls 