Older Adults Must Protect Against Falls

Did you know?

• 1/3 of Americans over age 65 fall each year
• Falls cause 90% of fractures in those over age 65
• Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in adults over 65
• There are simple solutions that may greatly reduce the risk of a fall.

A fall can be a terrible accident for anyone – especially an older person. Older adults are more susceptible to physical and emotional damage. Whether the fall is environmental (slippery floor or steep stairs for example) or caused by weakness, these can be preventable. Simple, low-impact exercises or keeping the area around your feet clear could make a great deal difference in the quality of your life.

Tips

Falls are not just the result of getting older. They're usually caused by a number of factors, most of which are avoidable. By changing some of these things, you can lower your risk of falling.

1. Begin a regular exercise program

Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise, conversely, leads to weakness all around. Ask your doctor or health care worker about the best type of exercise program for you.

2. Make your home safer

Approximately 50% of all falls happen in the home. To make your home safer:

• Remove clutter and other common things that could cause you to trip (such as newspapers, books, clothes, and shoes), especially from stairs and high-traffic areas where you tend to walk most often.
• Remove small throw rugs and use double-sided tape to keep remaining rugs from slipping. This especially goes for your bathroom. Use a no-slip bath mat with a rubberized bottom on the floor. Also, use a no-slip mat in your bathtub or shower.
  
• Keep items in reach. Avoid having to use a chair or step stool to access items in cabinets and closets.
  
• Have grab bars installed next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
  
• Improve the lighting in your home. As we age, we need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare – this is especially important for people with glaucoma or cataracts.
  Put in sturdy handrails and lights on all staircases.
  
• Wear shoes with proper support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers, athletic shoes with deep treads, and shoes with thick soles.

3. Have your health care provider review your medicines

Have your doctor, pharmacist, or health care worker look at all the medicines you take (including over-the-counter medications that don’t require prescriptions, such as cold medicines). As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed which can lead to a fall. Also, most medications have a shelf life and should be thrown out after six months to a year.

4. Have your vision checked

The risk of falling also increases if medication levels are not correct or even if you don’t have the correct prescription in your glasses.

Overall, just be aware. Bones may grow brittle as we age, but we can make up for it by using extra brain power in order to think about our surrounding and how to keep them as safe as possible.