If you or a loved one is at risk for falls. I hope my research helps you.

In my next post, I will explain how I used AI to write this blog post.

Navigating Fall Risk with Technology

FRIDs, or Fall Risk-Increasing Drugs

An article caught my eye today.  The title says it all. “Common prescription drugs linked to surge in fall-related death rates among seniors: Expert identifies four drug categories that significantly increase fall risk among older adults.” I skimmed it and soon realized I needed to hold on to the information. The article explains about FRIDs, or Fall Risk-Increasing Drugs. With my osteopenia (reduced bone mass), a heart condition, and essential tremors, knowing about FRIDs empowers me to discuss with my doctor about potential medications in the future. I want to be informed about what changes might mean for me. Last summer, I was close to passing out several times because of low blood pressure from a heart medication. We lowered the dosage significantly.

I asked Google’s AI software, Gemini, to create a spreadsheet based on the article. The table will be easier to glean information from in the future, rather than having to re-read the entire article.

This summer, I’ve been extremely faint several times. I checked the Internet and determined that I may have been affected by Unisom for sleep (which is an anticholinergic – see chart) and by certain foods.

• My nighttime tea contains chamomile and cloves, both of which are known to induce drowsiness. I have to be mindful about when I drink this.
• Cottage cheese and turkey contain the amino acid tryptophan, which can also cause drowsiness.

Now, I’m cautious not to combine these things in the same evening.

Other Ways to Reduce Fall Risk

Since my blog focuses on technology, I decided to explore how technology can help mitigate the risk of falls.

A search on the Internet will lead you to articles about how to prevent fall risk. Instead of tiptoeing your way through several articles returned by a search, I recommend making the big step from a Google search to an AI-powered search. AI will summarize the information from the links into one readable article. You can then explore the links or save the results in Google Drive for later use.

I found the following advice with AI.

You and your loved one can start down a path to prevent falls by:

• improving lighting,
• removing throw rugs and clutter from the floor,
• knowing your medications,
• a healthy lifestyle,
• regular visits to a doctor,
• and more.

I refined my fall-risk prompt to include technology, which gave me even more powerful results.

Fall Detection and Emergency Alert Systems

• Wearable Devices: Purchase smartwatches, fitness trackers, or dedicated medical alert pendants with built-in sensors to detect a sudden, hard fall. If a fall is detected, the device will alert emergency contacts or a professional monitoring service, which will dispatch help. Newer systems are often GPS-enabled.
• Smart Home Sensors: Strategically place these sensors around the home. They may be motion-activated or use radar to detect if a person has fallen, alerting a family member.

Predictive and Preventive Technology

Beyond simply detecting falls, doctors and others use technology to analyze a person’s risk of falling before it happens.

• Doctors may use devices to analyse a patient’s gait and other movements.
• A Virtual Reality program can improve balance and coordination.

Smart Homes

Don’t just toss your throw rugs. Add one of these helpful tools.

• Smart Lighting: Install motion-activated lights to help prevent falls in the dark. Smart bulbs promote alertness during the day and improve sleep quality at night. A good sleep cycle has a positive effect on reducing the risk of falls.
• Voice-Activated Assistants: Consider setting up a smart home with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri. Voice commands to specific devices (like Google Home) enable hands-free control of lights, thermostats, and other smart appliances. These can also be a lifeline for your loved one. They can call for help with a simple voice command if they’re unable to reach a phone.
• Smart Doorbell and Locks: Rushing to the door may lead to a fall. A person can see who is at the door and even unlock it remotely from their phone or a smart assistant, without having to get up.

Apps and Digital Health Tools

• Balance Training Apps: Look for apps that offer guided exercises and games designed to improve balance, strength, and cognitive function.
• Medication Reminders: Smart pill dispensers and apps will help you stay on track with your medication schedules, preventing missed (or double) doses that could lead to dizziness or other adverse effects. I own a regular pill dispenser and have used the Medisafe app.

Technology can help prevent and detect falls, providing peace of mind.

NOTES:

• I prompted Google Gemini for many of the points in this article. I always double-checked the information.
• I created the park bench image for this post using Google Gemini. My prompt was for a rectangular image featuring the three devices on a park bench with people in the background.