In fifth century Rome, ancient peoples enjoyed as many as 900 public baths! At the time, bathhouses and bathing in large groups were both commonplace. Some paintings suggest the Romans may have been a little more modest than the ancient Greeks (who famously ran and exercised in the nude), perhaps wearing light coverings or robes in these public spaces. No matter what they wore or did not wear, one thing is certain: if someone fell or otherwise hurt themselves, other patrons immediately noticed and rushed to their aid.
Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily true today. Falls are the most likely reason for seniors to end up in the hospital — and, in some cases, they can even be fatal. Today’s relatively autonomous seniors, however, are also much less likely to have someone around to help in the event of a fall. What are some ways seniors can stay reasonably safe from slip and fall hazards?
Should Seniors Be Hitting The Gym?
Not exactly. While pull-ups and bench pressing hundreds of pounds may do (or very likely will do) more harm than good, light to moderate physical activity actually helps — and vastly reduces the likelihood of falling. Even things like gardening and walking can help seniors retain muscle strength, which is critical for maintaining balance and catching ourselves before falling and getting hurt.
Some Small Changes Around The House Can Make A Huge Difference
Seniors can also maintain their independence — without loved ones worrying — by making some adjustments around their homes. The bathroom, for example, is just about treacherous — with 75% of all household accidents happening there. Walkin bathtubs or walk in baths and showers take up just as much space as a traditional tub, but they also eliminate the need for seniors to lift their legs up over the edge — and walk in baths for elderly persons may also come with additional features, like chairs, seats, or handlebars. Don’t leave it just at shower walk in bathtubs; chair lifts, ramps, raised flower beds, and other alterations can also make senior living a whole lot easier.
Don’t risk ending up in the hospital. Fit your home with an accessible, walkin bathtub, and take up walking or gardening to retain muscle strength. Read more: www.safelifetub.com