Tag: age friendly

Age Friendly Advice

Louth Age Friendly Consumer Fair 2014

Louth Age-Friendly Business Consumer Fair

Crowne Plaza, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Sunday 5th October 2014 – Midday to 5.00pm

A unique opportunity to learn about the innovative products and services to enhance and secure our lives as we live longer.

Within the Northeast region, Louth is seen as leading the way in developing a range of age-friendly initiatives and related new products and services. These developments are happening across the board with businesses, within communities and among the public services.

As we grow older our needs and aspirations change, so what range of products and services are available to help enhance the wonderful opportunity of living longer?

Following on from the success the 2012 & 2013 Age-Friendly Business Consumer Fair , we will once again seek to provide information on what products and services are available for older people.

Attendees will be able to

• Learn how new innovate products can assist in the daily activities of living

• Learn about services that are available to support you or a loved one in their own home and in the community

• Listen to informative talks on matters that concern older people including Cardiac First Responder Programmes and Dementia Friendly Communities

• Learn about those businesses who offer products and services for older people, to assist them in living longer and healthier lives in the best possible way

As well as over 40 Age Friendly business exhibitors, leading figures from caring and support services, technology, finance, fashion, law and many more will be on hand to give advice and provide valuable information. A full profile of all exhibitors will be available over the coming months on www.agefriendly.ie/louthagefriendly and multiple media.

Guest speakers in the ‘Parlour’ will be Barry Hennessey who will speak about the Linked Community Cardiac First Responder Scheme and also Marie Hayes & Mary Gaughran who will talk about Dementia Supports in Community.

The special guest on the day will be businessman Gavin Duffy, star of RTE Dragon’s Den and chairperson of the Louth Age Friendly Business Forum.
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If you would like to book a stand for your products or services please email brenda@dundalk.ie to book a stand or call Tel: 042 9336343 – Book now as places are limited.

We look forward to seeing you at this FREE event on Sunday 5th October in the Crowne Plaza.

The event is supported by the Louth Age-Friendly County Initiative, Age-Friendly Business Forum, Louth Economic Forum, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce and Louth Older Peoples Forum.

(Source: www.dundalk.ie)

Advice for Older People

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

The Reality

Each year, one in every three adults ages 65 or older falls and 2 million are treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries. And the risk of falling increases with each decade of life. The long-term consequences of fall injuries, such as hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries (TBI), can impact the health and independence of older adults. Thankfully, falls are not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, many falls can be prevented. Everyone can take actions to help in Preventing Falls Among Older Adults, with some simple steps you can protect the older adults you care about.

Prevention Tips

You can play a role in preventing falls. Encourage the older adults in your life to:

  • Get some exercise. Lack of exercise can lead to weak legs and this increases the chances of falling. Exercise programs such as Tai Chi can increase strength and improve balance, making falls much less likely.
  • Be mindful of medications. Some medicines—or combinations of medicines—can have side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. This can make falling more likely. Poor vision can make it harder to get around safely. Older adults should have their eyes checked every year and wear glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription strength to ensure they are seeing clearly.
  • Eliminate hazards at home. About half of all falls happen at home. A home safety check can help identify potential fall hazards that need to be removed or changed, such as tripping hazards, clutter, and poor lighting.

Steps for Home Safety

The following checklist can help older adults reduce their risk of falling at home:

  • Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
  • Install handrails and lights on all staircases.
  • Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
  • Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
  • Put grab bars inside and next to the tub or shower and next to your toilet.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
  • Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
  • Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.