Getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up fun activities.
More than 1 in 4 older adults report falling each year, resulting in about 36 million falls. Falls can cause serious injuries such as broken bones and a head or brain injury. Falls are NOT a normal part of aging and can be prevented.
Try these simple steps to keep you from falling.
Speak up.
- Tell your doctor if you have fallen, if you feel unsteady when standing or walking, or if you are afraid you might fall.
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines. Some medicines can make you dizzy or sleepy which can increase your risk of falling.
- Have an eye doctor check your eyes once a year and update your eyeglasses as needed.
- Have a doctor check your feet once a year and discuss proper footwear.
- Ask your doctor about health conditions like depression, osteoporosis, or hypotension that can increase your risk for falling.
Stay active.
- Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance, like Tai Chi.
Make your home safer.
- Get rid of trip hazards like throw rugs, and keep floors clutter free.
- Brighten your home with extra lighting or brighter light bulbs.
- Install grab bars in the bathroom—next to the toilet and inside and outside of your bathtub or shower.
- Install handrails on both sides of staircases.
