A few days ago, an acquaintance—an 87-year-old woman—fell in the bathroom. Unfortunately, she suffered a brain haemorrhage and slipped into a coma. At this age, such incidents are being reported far too often. What caused the greatest pain, however, was the realization that even at such an advanced age, she used to lock the bathroom door from inside. That day, too, the door was bolted.
When she did not come out for a long time, family members knocked repeatedly. There was no response. The door had to be broken open, and she was found lying unconscious on the floor. She was rushed to the hospital immediately.
The point is clear: seniors should avoid locking the bathroom door from inside. Privacy is important, but safety is far more critical. One alert senior found a very simple solution—he installed a curtain inside the bathroom. The door remained closed, the curtain ensured privacy, and safety was not compromised. This used to be common practice earlier, and even today, many homes still follow it.
In today’s article, we focus on a few more such small but extremely important precautions. Some of these points may have appeared in earlier articles, but repetition is necessary. By adopting these simple measures during the golden years of our lives, we can avoid many serious problems.
Some essential precautions:
- Install grab bars or support handles in the bathroom.
- Ensure the use of anti-skid mats.
- Bathroom slippers should not have worn-out soles.
- Make sure the bathroom floor is kept as dry as possible.
- While climbing or descending stairs, always hold the side railing; install one if needed.
- Be extra careful while using chairs fitted with wheels.
If you need to pick up something placed behind you, do not simply stretch your arm backward. Instead, turn your entire body and then lift the object. This avoids unnecessary strain on the joints. Incorrect lifting often leads to nerve compression, which can take a long time to heal.
Now a word about mobility—our ability to walk and move around. With advancing age, we must consciously focus on how we walk. As we grow older, our feet do not lift as high as before, increasing the risk of tripping. Even a simple floor mat can become an obstacle. A minor sprain can turn into a long-term problem for seniors.
- Experts advise that while walking, focus not on your feet but on the direction ahead.
- Never use a mobile phone while walking.
Making the home senior-friendly is extremely important. Wherever possible, elderly persons should be accommodated on the ground floor. The special arrangements required inside bathrooms have already been discussed earlier. Floors should not remain wet, and during cleaning, it is better for seniors to remain seated in one place.
Accidents can happen at any age, but seniors must be extra cautious. One common trait seen among many elderly people is their reluctance to accept that they have aged. Lifting heavy objects should be avoided altogether, and bending forward to lift even light items should be discouraged. Slip disc and frozen shoulder have become common ailments today. These conditions take months to heal and cause considerable pain. Excessive use of painkillers can also lead to serious side effects.
I have mentioned only a few such small precautions here. All of us have experiences in life from which others can learn. When we share our experiences, a major accident in someone else’s life may be prevented.
Do share your thoughts on the Never Say Retired website, Facebook page, or WhatsApp channel. Suggest more such points that can help other seniors stay alert and safe.
Your single experience could become a protective shield for someone else.
Author
The author is the founder of the Never Say Retire mission. In order to achieve this goal, he also runs this website and his Facebook group Never Say Retire Forum has Hundreds and Thousands of members today.
