Falls can put you at risk for serious injury and are a leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries (including broken bones, head injuries, and bone fractures) for individuals over the age of 65. In addition to physical injuries, the pain and embarrassment of falling can make older adults become inactive, depressed, and anxious. If you or a loved one are at risk, take a few precautions that can help prevent falling.
Move More Consciously
Be more conscious of your body movement. This could mean taking the time to move more slowly from a sitting to standing position or taking a moment before ascending or descending stairs. Gathering yourself before you move can be a simple but effective way to prevent falling.
Aim to be Active
It might seem a bit unreasonable, but staying active will help to prevent falls. Engaging in regular exercise is important. Activities like water exercises, walking, dancing, and meditation can improve strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility, all of which can go a long way in preventing falls.
Have a Vision Checkup
Sometimes, something as simple as improving a current prescription or getting new glasses can help you improve your vision and help in preventing falls. Consult with a vision specialist to make the most of your eyesight. In addition to a vision checkup, it will benefit you to have an overall health assessment to check for things like dizziness, pain, and certain eye and ear disorders that can increase your risk of falls.
Communicate Current Health Conditions
Consult with a doctor about current health conditions and medications. Are you experiencing side effects from medications that make it more difficult to carry out once-simple routines? Perhaps you are forgetting to take them all together. If that is the case, it will help to establish a better tracking system to ensure you are getting the appropriate doses.
Make a Few Changes at Home
Taking a few precautions can limit the risk of falling in your home. Keeping your home clutter free, and removing hazards such as loose carpeting and slippery rugs can help prevent you from tripping over. Consider what else you can do to safeguard your home from danger, such as installing guard rails and non-slip mats in stairways and in the shower. If you are looking to make a bigger change, move into a single floor home to eliminate the need to move between floors.
With a few simple lifestyle changes, you can prevent painful and debilitating falls. For more information on health and rehabilitation, visit Waukesha Springs Health & Rehabilitation Center.
