Preventing slips and falls

How can I prevent a fall?

 

Slips and falls can happen to anyone. But as we get older, our chances of falling increase. Fortunately, falls and aging don’t have to go hand in hand. There are steps you can take to stay safe on your feet.
 

Watch the video to learn more.

senior woman climbing stairs

As we age, why do falls become more likely?

 

  •  Chronic health conditions. Ongoing issues like osteoporosis, Parkinson’s, and arthritis can raise risks if not managed properly.
  •  Problems with balance and walking. Hearing and vision loss, drug interactions, and muscle atrophy can all trigger instability.
  •  Hazards in the home. Dangers like dim lighting, improper footwear, or uneven surfaces can make environments unsafe.

Getting older makes it easier to fall — and harder to recover

Falls can damage quality of life. In fact, after falling, many people never get back to their usual activities and social routines. Sometimes, physical injuries are to blame. But falling can hurt a person’s confidence, too. Fear of repeat falls can trigger anxiety and make everyday living more difficult. And after a while, limiting your activities can make muscles weaker — increasing the chances of falling.

 

That’s why it’s important to keep falls from happening in the first place.

These increased risk factors make falls the #1 reason why adults 65+ visit the emergency room.

Reducing risk factors reduces falling

Create a plan with your doctor


Openly share your concerns at your annual checkup:

  •  Discuss any past falls, your current risk factors, and what changes can improve your safety.
  •  Review your medications for possible side effects that might impact balance.
  •  Ask about taking vitamin D to strengthen bones and muscles.
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Keep moving


Doing more physical activity — not less — will help keep you safe from falls:

  •   Start small and walk more — even a few minutes a day makes a difference.
  •   Build bone and muscle mass with resistance training at your own level. 
  •   Improve stability and confidence with balance activities like Tai Chi, yoga, and Zumba.
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Make prevention a priority


Schedule time to maintain your overall health:

  •  Get your hearing and vision checked regularly.
  •  Manage any ongoing health conditions, like diabetes or osteoporosis.
  •  Eat healthy food and sleep 7–9 hours per night.

Take the dangers out of your home


Sixty percent of falls happen at home. A few quick fixes can make yours safer:

  •   Remove clutter that can get in your way.
  •   Install grab bars or railings where things can get slippery.
  •   Secure rugs and repair uneven surfaces.
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