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.
