09/30/2024
The risk of falling increases with age. Falls can be especially dangerous for older adults, often causing fractures, hospitalization, and disability. The good news is that many falls are avoidable.
Tips for Avoiding Falls
Stay physically active. Regular exercise improves muscles and makes you stronger.
Try balance and strength training exercises. Yoga, Pilates, and tai chi can all improve balance and muscle strength.
Fall-proof your home. Make changes to your home that will help you avoid falls and ensure your safety.
Have your eyes and hearing tested. Even small changes in sight and hearing are linked to an increased risk for falls.
Find out about the side effects of any medicines you take. If a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
Get enough sleep. If you are tired, you are more likely to fall.
Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop. That can make you feel wobbly.
Use an assistive device if you need help feeling steady when you walk. Using canes and walkers correctly can help prevent falls.
Take extra caution when walking on wet or icy surfaces. These can be very slippery! Use an ice melt product or sand to clear icy areas by your doors and walkways.
Keep your hands free. Use a shoulder bag, f***y pack, or backpack to leave your hands free to hold on to railings.
Choose the right footwear. To fully support your feet, wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes. Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks or in shoes and slippers with smooth soles.
Consider staying inside when the weather is bad, or using a shuttle service. Some community services provide 24-hour delivery of prescriptions and groceries, and many take orders over the phone.
Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last check-up, even if you did not feel pain when you fell. A fall can alert your doctor to a new medical problem or issues with your medications or eyesight that can be corrected. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, a walking aid, or other steps to help prevent future falls.
