6 Steps to Prevent a Fall
Falls can happen to anyone, but the risk increases as we age. Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” The truth is that more than one in four older adults fall every year in the United States.
Taking a few simple precautions at home and paying attention to your health can help you stay steady, confident and active. Here are six steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling.
- Find a good balance and exercise program. Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility.
- Talk to your health care provider. Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.
- Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.
- Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses. Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.
- Keep your home safe. Remove tripping hazards, increasing lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
- Talk to your family members. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.
Preventing falls doesn’t have to mean limiting your independence. In fact, taking steps to improve your strength and make your surroundings safer can help you remain active and independent longer.
If you have concerns about your balance or risk of falling, talk with your health care provider about steps you can take to stay safe. You can also learn more by visiting The National Council on Aging Falls Prevention.
Kelli Jankens is a trauma injury prevention manager at MyMichigan Health.
