I Went Limp…

Arms and legs sliding like you do into home base or gliding swim strokes

“Geez Mom, you couldn’t wait two more days till you’re 80 for your first fall?!” teased my son as my family gathered for my birthday. I didn’t tell anyone because I was fine, but two days later when I had the kids’ attention…I figured they should know how it all played out.

It’s been a week now and I’m still a bit sore and bruised but can’t help laughing at myself as I try to write it down. What’s funny is how I sell myself on Substack as an active-aging senior…all cocky, braggy and knowy about moving, exercise, keeping fit. I coach fall prevention at my senior center in a Matter of Balance course. I’ve been trained how not to fall through physical therapy, pickleball clinics, self-defense, balance and agility classes. And still, I fell.

Setting the Scene

I left Agility Advantage after practicing balance and react-step movements and went to do grocery shopping. First the produce market, then my neighborhood store for a bottle of milk, a jar of cherry preserves, bread, shredded wheat and a nice Cabernet on sale. The young bagger placed the paper-bagged items in my cart, I returned it to the rack next to the busy automatic in-and-out-doors and took time to zip up my winter coat ‘cause of the windy chill outside. As I lifted the bag to my chest thinking it would help block the wind, I used my body to tuck the cart in the rest of the way…because I like things nice and neat.

A Split Second

I turned…and down I went, fast and hard!

Smack in front of the exit door; contents flying and red wine flowing among pieces of broken glass.

I went limp, the bag took the brunt, but my left arm and leg took the slide like you do into home base, like gliding-along swim strokes.

My grandson loved the sliding part at age five

I sat up and sat still, saying to those reaching to help that I wanted to assess (yeah, I used that word) and collect myself. I knew nothing was broken but I was shaken a bit.

I yelled “my wine, I broke my wine!” But quickly my brain pulled up its brighter britches so I could say “the wine, the wine broke!…and not sound like a wineoholic!

My watch started vibrating much stronger than it does for a phone call…”it thinks it’s an emergency,” I said, holding up my arm. Customers and staff had already asked if I was all right, so someone reached down and clicked “I fell but I’m ok” for me, offering, “it will ask again in a few minutes.”

Employees were wonderful, mopping up and gathering the pieces of glass while I kept saying “sorry” over and over. The broken jelly jar and wine were replaced and everything put in a new bag.

Not only did I fall near the doors, but directly across from the checkout lanes… cashiers and baggers saw it too. Some noticed my foot had struck the scrunched-together wheels where I’d pushed mine tight into line. I didn’t stumble; never had a chance to react or recover. Why didn’t I know to step back a bit? Depth perception?

I leaned over and down dogged myself up, thanking everyone as I straightened myself, got my bearings. A new spectator walked up wondering what happened; I raised my hand and said “It’s me, I’m the problem it’s me”…trying to make it light and funny.

As I reached for my bag and moved toward the door, the manager said no, he would carry the groceries and walk me to the car. I fretted at that; I’d parked way down the shopping center strip; plus leaving on my own would be a more ‘Pollyanna’s got this’ vibe I thought, still in disbelief.

Smiling and offering his arm…and because Ed is a good-looking guy, I graciously took it and finally acted like a grateful gal of a certain age just growing along.

As I started the car, I checked my watch and sure enough it asked for an update. Further information needed: I fell but I’m ok, I fell and need help, call 911. I hit the first one, drank some water and drove home. I noticed when I sat down later for TV that my knee was beginning to swell, so I held a bag of frozen peas on it as I caught up on “We Are the Lucky Ones.”

Takeaways

I’m even more assured that the sooner and more we be active, the better we’ll be able to recover from a fall. We know about drop and roll, try to land on our butt, protect our head, don’t stop it with arms…but none of those can be practiced. It’s the continual flexibility, muscle and bone strength from daily walks or biking, sports or aerobic classes over time that makes the difference. No matter how aware we are, it can happen.

The watch did its job! The impact triggered it…pretty cool knowing I’d have help if alone or injured. My daughter was delighted too, she gave it to me in case I’m ever without my phone. I can talk on it, receive texts and initiate messages and calls as well.

Shopping carts offer great support for customers. Put them back in their place or into the parking lot corrals, but don’t be overly neat about it!

If you fall, take a few moments to self-assess. It’s instinctive to get up quickly and carry on, not feel embarrassed or fussed over. I made a mess, I attracted attention…but everything I learned over the years came forth; allowing me to take it in stride and walk away okay.

Have a fall story? I’d feel lots better knowing it happens to others too… tell me in the comments!

Be happy, be kind, be careful!

Joan 😊

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We live, we learn, we fall, we get back up! AGING IS GRAD SCHOOL! Anne Lamott