quote:

Originally posted by yanici:
Time for a stair lift, Bud.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VZeEGz2BBg

Top Gear UK did a Corvette powered food blender & rocking chair.
Their next plan was to V9-ify the Stannah Stairlift. To the top of the stairs in a jiffy, though you may continue on into the attic at full throttle

Falling is the kryptonite of old people. When I was looking for a place, I looked for one floor house, relatively flat driveway, etc.

I inherited my mom's knees. She would have trouble walking up the stairs. I would think what's the problem? Just put one knee up on the next step and push up. Now I know what the problem is.

I am getting new carpet soon. I have heard a lot of people say "Old people shouldn't get a thick carpet pad. It's a trip hazard."
My thought is that if I fall, I want all of the padding I can get under me. I don't bounce anymore. LOL

quote:

Originally posted by Lunasee:
I am getting new carpet soon. I have heard a lot of people say "Old people shouldn't get a thick carpet pad. It's a trip hazard."
My thought is that if I fall, I want all of the padding I can get under me. I don't bounce anymore. LOL

This ^^^^ is so very true!! I am soooo glad I have carpet instead of tile floors.

Wait - your nose is gay now?

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
The nose this morning

Yeah, we're looking for a one-story house ourselves for that reason.


Good thing your wife didn't marry you for your looks, Para!

Seriously, though, I'm glad it wasn't worse.

Sounds like a hard fall. Glad you are alright.

An interesting discussion relevant to me as I am in my late 70s and have two aging dogs and cat. When my late MIL passed after falling inside her home after getting up from her dining table, the funeral director mentioned that many of his senior clients passed due to falls and their aftermath. I then realized seniors passing due to falls and their aftermath was real. Later a personal trainer helpfully mentioned that the reason seniors need to exercise is due to hairs in the inner ear which control balance; these hairs age and become brittle, and as a consequence, not so good at helping us balance. As we age, the hairs become more brittle and less effective at controlling our sense of balance. Strengthening our core helps compensate. More recently, an interior decorator recommended that I carpet the stairs in my home for the benefit of my arthritic dog and cat. The carpet saleswoman helpfully added that I should consider any "elderly" guests I may have (I think this was a veiled reference to this elderly person). Once my pets pass, I plan to move into either a condo or a house on one level.

Vestibular system is part of it. Can you stand on one foot for ten seconds or get up from the floor not using any aids. All seniors should have some PT in this department. Falling is often the precusor to a fractured hip or brain trauma. Just doing exercises will not do it. Learning how to walk properly is important as well.

quote:

get up from the floor not using any aids.

Do arms count? I sure as hell can't bounce up like I did as a kid.

There was a related thread some time ago where someone posted an article about classes offered to teach one how to fall without hurting yourself. Or hurt yourself less.

That could have been a heck of a lot worse. I'm glad you're on the mend Para.

Oh, yes, a Hell of a lot worse. I struck a corner but managed to avoid hitting is full-force. If I had struck it uncontrolled, the least of it would have been a broken nose.

I do want to say, though, that those of you who are pegging this as an indication of my descent into old age are way off the mark. I simply caught a toe on the edge of a step. It could have happened to a teenager, and I'm certain it has.

Should I cancel my hurrycane order for you?

Gosh, I remember falling down my stairs in my house. It’s an old house, and the stairs aren’t to code. The bruising I had from my hip down my leg was spectacular. My son has gone down those same stairs the same way, without the level of bruising, probably because I’ve had it carpeted since then. Sorry to hear about your nose, para- sounds like it took the brunt.

quote:

Originally posted by Timdogg6:
Should I cancel my hurrycane order for you?

Keep it for yourself, as a spare.

Glad to hear you're feeling better and nothing broken.

Glad you are feeling better, I'm not as balanced as I used to be.
I just work on keeping my wobble.

Several years ago I was carrying a load of laundry downstairs and my foot slipped on the edge of the stair. I took a headfirst fall right down the stairs, onto the floor and a couple of feet until I crashed into some hallway furniture. Luckily I twisted to my side on the way down, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.
The lesson learned; Don’t walk on stairs if you can’t see your feet.

quote:

Oh, yay, I just took a fall

You spelled "Oy, vey" wrong.