Reduce your risk of falling in 2025

 The following information is from Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network, November 2024

Falling for seniors can have serious consequences. Falls can change your life, or they can end your life. There are many risk factors that can contribute to falls. Among them, did you know that medications can increase the risk of falling? In fact, the more medications you take, the greater your risk of falling. This is a direct result of what is called  “medication overload". Researchers have estimated that our risk of falling increases by 75% when we take as few as four medications! However, it’s important to recognize that not all medications increase the risk of falling to the same degree.

Certain types of medications increase the risk of falls. Different types of medications can increase our risk of falls by affecting the way our body works. Here are a few examples:

·         Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, making us less alert, affecting our coordination and potentially causing us to lose our balance.

·         Some medications cause our blood pressure or heart rate to drop, which increases the risk of dizziness and low blood pressure. This is particularly true when changing positions: for example, when moving from lying down to standing up.

·         Some medications lower blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels become too low (called hypoglycemia), it can make us feel weak or cause us to faint, leading to falls.

Ten Medications that increase your risk of falls

1. Sleeping pills

2. Antidepressants

3. Opioids

4. Diabetes medications

5. Diuretics for increased urination

6. Antipsychotics

7. Anti-epilepsy

8. Muscle relaxants

9. Prostate medications

10. Medications that dilate blood vessels.

What can you do? Start a conversation. Good communication with your doctor, pharmacist and/or nurse is essential to ensure safe and effective health care. To start a conversation, here are some questions you can ask about your medications:

1. Why am I taking this medication?

2. What are the potential benefits and harms of this medication?

3. Can it affect my memory or cause me to fall?

4. Can I stop or reduce the dose of this medication (i.e. deprescribing)?

5. Who do I follow-up with and when?

If you don't know the answers to the above questions, ask your health care provider at your next visit. Remember to bring a complete list of your medications.

Talking to Adult Children about money: Balancing Fairness in Unequal Circumstances

Some children are better off than others due to circumstances, life choices or other reasons, but as a parent or a grandparent wanting to help manage family dynamics should try to remember that family dynamics can get tricky when one child is better off than another, but fairness doesn’t always mean equality

Recognize that each child has unique circumstances, strengths, and challenges. Avoid comparing them or making assumptions. Emphasize the values and principles that unite your family, such as hard work, responsibility, and generosity.

Encourage your child to reflect on their own financial decisions and goals. Tailor your support to each child’s circumstances. For instance, helping a struggling child with rent doesn’t require giving an equivalent amount to a more financially secure sibling. Example: "I know you're struggling with debt, but I'm proud of you for taking steps to address it. Let's work together to develop a plan to get you back on track. "

Help them identify areas for improvement and develop a plan to achieve their objectives. Put yourself in your child's shoes and try to understand their perspective. Explain your reasoning openly to avoid resentment. For example, “I helped your sibling because they needed it, but I hope you know that I value and support you equally.”

Acknowledge and celebrate your child's financial successes, no matter how small they may seem. This helps build confidence and motivation.

If direct financial support isn’t feasible or fair, offer help in other ways, such as providing childcare, sharing advice, or gifting heirlooms.

Involve the family in discussions about inheritance plans or other ways you intend to balance support. This avoids surprises and fosters mutual understanding.

By emphasizing fairness over strict equality and communicating openly, you can help preserve harmony while supporting your children in meaningful ways.

Discussing money with adult children is an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and instill lifelong financial habits. By fostering open communication, setting thoughtful boundaries, and addressing fairness with sensitivity, we can guide our children toward financial freedom while maintaining balance and harmony in the family. Remember to prioritize open communication, empathy, and understanding, and to focus on shared values and goals

The Bank of Mum and Dad can we support Without Straining Relationships

Financial support from parents can be a blessing, but it requires clear boundaries and mutual understanding. The first step is for you to establish what you're willing and able to provide and communicate these boundaries clearly. Clearly define the nature of the support upfront, do you want it to be a gift. a loan, or advance on inheritance. Putting it in writing can prevent misunderstandings. Avoid making promises you can't keep. Prioritize essential expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and food, over discretionary spending.

Offer what you can comfortably afford. Explain to your children why it’s important to maintain your financial independence, e.g., “I want to help you, but I also need to ensure I have enough for my retirement. “ If you’re unable to provide support, be honest but kind. Offer guidance instead, such as helping them create a budget or exploring other resources.

Tie financial support to a learning opportunity. For instance, helping with a down payment might come with a discussion about managing mortgage payments. Encourage your child to take ownership of their financial decisions and responsibilities. Offer guidance and support, but avoid doing things for them.

Consider a "gift" approach: Instead of loans or handouts, consider giving your child a "gift" of financial support. This can help them feel more independent and less indebted.

Review and adjust: Regularly review your financial support and adjust as needed. Be open to changing your approach if it's not working or if your child's circumstances change.

Example: "I'm happy to help you with your rent, but I want to make sure you're taking care of your other expenses. Can we review your budget together and see where we can adjust?"

By balancing generosity with practicality, you maintain trust while empowering your children to make sound financial decisions.

Starting the Conversation: Creating a Positive Dialogue Around Finances

 The holiday bills are starting to arrive and everyone is feeling the pinch. Many of us struggle to make ends meet, but we are always ready if we can to help our children or our grandchildren. Opening discussions about money can feel awkward, but setting the right tone makes a world of difference. To create a positive dialogue around finances, choose the right time and place: Choose a relaxed setting, like a family dinner or a one-on-one coffee chat, to make the conversation informal and supportive rather than pressured. Avoid discussing finances during stressful or emotional moments.

Begin by acknowledging your child's independence and expressing your pride in their accomplishments. This sets a positive tone for the conversation. Share your financial journey, including successes and mistakes, to break the taboo and model that finances are a topic worth discussing. For example, say, “When I was your age, I learned some hard lessons about budgeting. I’d love to share them with you, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.” By using "I" statements: Instead of saying "you need to," say "I've noticed" or "I'm concerned about." This helps your child feel less defensive and more receptive to your concerns.

Discuss your shared values and goals, such as financial security, independence, or building a safety net. Frame conversations as collaborative rather than authoritative. Questions like, “What are your financial goals?” or “How do you feel about managing money?” invite dialogue. This helps your child understand your perspective and feel more connected to the conversation.

If asked, share your own financial experiences, successes, and challenges. Be open about your financial situation, and avoid hiding information or making assumptions. Encourage questions and feedback: Create a safe space for your child to ask questions and share their thoughts. Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to their concerns.

Example conversation starter: "Hey, I wanted to talk to you about our family's financial situation. I'm proud of the progress you've made, and I want to make sure we're on the same page. Can we discuss our goals and values around money?" By making the topic approachable and empathetic, you pave the way for ongoing, productive discussions about money.