Have you called your grandparents today? Experts encourage you to reach out to loved ones this National Senior Citizens Day

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Aging looks different for everyone. Experts say the biggest risk for senior citizens is falling. Staff at Right at Home Hilton Head and Savannah say household items like throw rugs, magazines on the floor or a dark hallway can lead to a trip to the hospital.

Nancy Rosen, director of marketing and strategic growth at Right at Home Hilton Head and Savannah, said falls carry serious risk for older adults.

“It’s a concern because the statistic is 85% of seniors over the age of 80 who fall go into the hospital and never return and they never come out of the hospital. So if we prevent falls we can prevent that trajectory,” Rosen said.

Rosen said helping a loved one does not mean taking away their independence. She said small changes around the home, along with knowing when to offer help and when to step back, can help seniors do more for themselves safely.

For seniors living at the Social at Savannah, getting older is not about the challenges they could experience — it is about looking forward to new things they can enjoy.

Huberte Conway, a resident at the Social at Savannah, said her mentality has not changed with age.

“Deep down inside I don’t consider myself a senior. My mentality is still young, my body is a senior. You’ve lived a long life. I mean when you think you have been on this earth for over 80 years you have a lot of experience and now you’re free to do what you want and enjoy life and make good friends and keep on living,” Conway said.

Dee Rogge, another resident at the Social at Savannah, shared advice for younger generations.

“Keep smiling and laugh at yourself a lot. Look ahead no matter how old you are, look ahead. Because you can’t change anything back, but you can change things that are coming towards you,” Rogge said.

Experts say getting older does not mean giving up the things you love. They encourage people to reach out to loved ones, neighbors or other seniors in the community and get to know them.