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.