For older adults, a fall can lead to a lot of serious problems, such as broken bones, chronic pain, a trip to the hospital, or even disability. According to The National Council on Aging, more than one in four people over the age of 65 will report a fall each year. Because of these statistics, a lot of older adults have a fear of falling which may lead to them avoiding certain activities such as shopping, taking walks, or engaging in social activities. We have come up with a list of helpful tips to help you avoid falling while also keeping you active, safe, happy, and healthy.
Stay as physically active as you can. Regular physical activity will help prevent falls in the long run by strengthening your muscles, and keeping your joints and ligaments flexible. It can be helpful to put together an exercise plan with your doctor including mild activities such as walking, aerobic movements, or climbing stairs.
Have your eyes and hearing tested. Small changes in your sight and hearing can cause you to lose your balance and fall. When you get new eyeglasses or contact lenses, make sure you take the time to get used to them and always wear them when you need to.
Use an assistive device to help steady you when you walk. The appropriate use of a cane or walker can greatly reduce your risk of falling. If your doctor tells you to use a cane or walker, make sure that it is the right size for you and practice using it with a loved one or caregiver present who can help you.
Always wear non-skid shoes that fully support your feet. Having supportive footwear will help you to feel more steady when you are walking. Make sure that you always wear comfortable, non-slip shoes when you need to walk and that the sole is not too thin or too thick.
Find out the side effects of your medication. Some medications have side effects that can make you feel dizzy or disoriented which can increase your risk of falling. If a medication makes you feel sleepy or dizzy, tell your doctor or pharmacist so that they can help.
For more information about what you can do to help prevent falls, call Charter Oak Home Care 860-489-4151. We are here to help families age gracefully at home.