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Preventing Falls Among Seniors
09-10-2009, 09:15 AM
The CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control recommends the following for seniors. Falls are not just the result of getting older. Many falls can be prevented. Falls are usually caused by a number of things. There are ways to lower your chances 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.
2. Make your home safer. About half of all falls happen at home. To make your home safer you should do the following:
* Remove things you can trip over such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes from stairs and
places where you walk.
* Remove small throw rugs or use double sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
* Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
* Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
* Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
* Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well.
Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
* Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and
athletic shoes with deep treads.
3. Have your health care provider review your medicines. As you get older the way that some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines can make you drowsy or light headed which can lead to a fall.
4. Have your vision checked. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as cataracts that limit your vision. Poor vision can lead to falls.