Olympians Fall More Gracefully Than We Do!

By Ann Burnside Love

The Olympics are reserved for the most masterful athletes, and over the last two weeks, we’ve watched ice skaters gracefully twirl and dance, and also gracefully fall to the ice on their hips, knees and sides. We’ve likewise watched skiers with medals and stellar reputations fly downhill around challenging turns and jumps — only to fly right off track into snow banks and forgiving fences.

Many of these athletes already endured multiple surgeries for broken bones and injured backs. They’re young. They know they will (probably, if they work very, very hard) heal enough to come back next season.

Seniors, on the other hand, have less chance to heal that successfully if our falls are serious. We will probably never climb a ladder again, much less get out on the golf course, tennis court or mountainside in hiking boots. Or even live by ourselves anymore, running errands and getting ourselves to doctor’s appointments in bad weather. Think about the challenging weather we’re experiencing this year alone. How often have you dared to leave the house?

At a retirement community, you don’t have to ask yourself the question: Is leaving the house worth the fall risk? Many of my neighbors — already surprised by the countless amenities available to them now that they are at a retirement community — were also shocked to realize the many ways communities work to keep residents safe. Whatever weather emergency is going on, we don’t have to worry about braving the elements and risking a fall since most communities provide indoor access to dining services, a wellness center and exercise pool.

Communities provide handrails, grab bars, lighting, helpful nurses, and maintenance technicians who do lots more than keep the sidewalks salted. You have a choice of living where assistance is right there — immediately when you need it — at the press of a button you’re wearing.

We seniors have our own stories of injuries long ago, recently and even currently. I myself had a bad fall the night before I was to move into my retirement community, leaving me in the hospital and rehab for weeks rather than participating in the moving of my belongings.

Since then I’ve heard so many of my neighbors here saying, “We wish we’d done it sooner!” And having serious reasons why they mean just that. Including — that they didn’t know how much fun they’d have, how many activities they’d have to choose among, how many of their friends might be here already, or how many new friends they would make. And now that they’re here, they can focus on living rather than on worrying.

We’re not worrying about the ice in the forecast as we sit snug in our communities, watching the Olympics. We’re worried about the athletes tumbling instead.

Carry on! 

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Ann’s blog appears here every Thursday. Your comments are welcomed!