And I thought this was just a joke.
By Marie Coyle
@MarieCoyle (56432)
March 26, 2026 6:04pm CST
When we are online, we often see jokes. Some are funny and some are not, of course. One joke I've seen more than once is people saying they fell over while getting dressed, because they were putting on their underwear or jeans or whatever, and lost their balance.
A friend called earlier, she calls about once a week or so. I asked her how she was, and she said her husband was in the hospital. The story she told was, he was home, had showered, and was getting dressed. He was putting on his jeans and he lost his balance and fell over, giving himself a fairly large cut on the head and a concussion. He has never had balance issues or anything, but he sure did today! Of course they will run some tests while he is there to be sure he will be OK, but it appears that he simply lost his balance.
Maybe some people should just sit down to get dressed? Evidently this really is an issue and a way to fall and get hurt.
I learn something new every day!
11 people like this
11 responses
@rebelann (116571)
• El Paso, Texas
2h
After about 70 it gets harder to put on jeans while standing, I don't even try anymore cuz I wouldn't know if anyone would find me let alone get me to a doc.
It's really so much easier to simply sit and get the jeans on most of the way then when I stand I don't have to bend over which is what can cause a dizzy spell.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
1h
That sounds like a good plan to me!
I usually sit down to do shoes and socks. I often wear shoes that lace up, and it's easier and safer to do it that way.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
Just now
@rebelann
My boots lace up, and the shoes that I wear to be out in the garden. But my other shoes are mostly slip on, which I prefer.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (116183)
• United States
4h
The older one gets the more care they have to put into EVERYthing. And that’s not judging older people as I’m including myself. I face planted just the other day because I stepped on the hem of the long pants I was wearing. Since then, I have been deliberate in every step when I wear anything long. In fact, if I could afford it, I’d have a few things hemmed.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
3h
You be careful, no one wants to fall!!
I have mended my way to the moon and back with my pack of kids and grandkids!! Is there maybe a quilter’s group or someone at your church that you can ask to shorten your pants legs?
2 people like this
@AmbiePam (116183)
• United States
3h
@MarieCoyle Maybe, and I might try to find someone, but it won’t hurt me to be mindful. That being said, maybe I should just be more selective with my clothing!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
1h
@AmbiePam
I'm short, and always get jeans, etc. for petite people and that usually works out for me. But once in a while, petite is still too long, and I have to hem them.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (168203)
• United States
18m
We always sit to get dressed. Much safer. It is not a joke to fall.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
Just now
I probably should always do that, and not trust myself so much not to fall. I am so careful, but sometimes it seems that is just not enough. And no, it's no joke to fall.
@toniganzon (75482)
• Philippines
2h
If there's one thing that scares me and I don't find it funny at all, is a family member slipping on a bathroom floor, or falling over.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (75482)
• Philippines
46m
@MarieCoyle It's too dangerous to be funny. Some hit their head and die instantly.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
1h
There are many, many people who slip and fall in bathrooms, I am extra careful. And no, it's not funny!!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
Just now
@toniganzon
My aunt slipped in the night once years ago, she hit her head on the counter when she fell and she was unconscious. My uncle was hard of hearing and didn't hear her fall. He woke up when she didn't come back to bed, and found her in the bathroom. She had nearly bled out, had a skull fracture, etc and was rushed to emergency surgery. She was 74 at the time, and frail. I didn't think she would survive the surgery, but she did! It was a lengthy recovery but she lived to be over 80, and she had all of her mind and memories, which I considered a miracle considering the extent of her head injury. Every effort should be made to make bathrooms as safe as possible.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
3h
I haven’t had a problem,either. Not yet. At least your husband knows that he does better sitting down to get dressed and is careful!
@sallypup (68494)
• Centralia, Washington
58m
@MarieCoyle Last year we installed a grab bar on the outer wall of the house- there is a bit of a gap between the house and the concrete steps. I find it handy to grab that bar when I am coming in from the back yard, especially if I have a glass to handle.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
Just now
@sallypup
That makes perfect sense to me. Grab bars don't always have to be on the inside of a house! Good thinking on your part, Lenore!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
1h
My home was new when I moved in, and there was a grab bar in the shower already installed. I found out later that all of the places here in my complex have grab bars, which is smart. I'm glad they are there!
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (205102)
• United States
3h
I could see that happening. to almost anyone really. You gotta watch your step especially when you are older.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (187082)
• Boise, Idaho
1h
I wonder if this has to do with an inner ear issue that might affect their balance.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
Just now
I always hate those ''fall down'' jokes. They seem mean to me. Falls are serious, not a joke. Thank you, I hope he recovers well, too.
@freelancermariagrace (29238)
• Philippines
1h
Having balance issues is no joke, especially after sustaining a severe head injury.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (56432)
•
Just now
It is very concerning, and n0 one wants to fall. As we age, from what I have observed anyway, when we have a large injury or break a bone, it takes a lot longer to heal than it did when we were younger.
