Falls are one of the common caused of injuries among seniors, and preventing them is a big aspect in having a high quality of life as we age. Here we offer five tips to reduce the risk of falls for seniors, empowering them to live safely and independently. Remember, fall prevention is about taking future steps today to ensure a healthier tomorrow.

1. Home Safety Check

Perform regular safety checks to minimize fall risk in the home. Things to consider include:

Make sure you have clear pathways free from clutter.
Securing carpets to the floor and removing throw rugs.
Installing grab bars and handrails in key areas such as bathrooms and stairwells.

By setting up your home to suit you, you can lower the risk of accidentally falling.

2. Regular Physical Activity

Doing exercises that focus on strength and balance can greatly improve stability and reduce the risk of falls. Consider activities like:

Walking
Tai Chi
Gentle yoga

Talk to your healthcare provider to create a customized exercise program that’s right for you.

3. Vision and Hearing Checks

Both vision and hearing add to balance and spatial awareness. To help prevent falls:

Have regular check-ups for glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
Make sure your hearing aids are correctly adjusted.

Staying current with these health checks is key in keeping your balance in check.

4. Medication Management

Some medications can affect balance and increase the risk of falling. It’s important to:

Review medications regularly with a doctor or pharmacist.
Be mindful of any side effects that could impact your stability.

Knowing what affects your medications have on your balance can help you stay steady on your feet.

5. Practical Footwear

Proper footwear is a must for stability. When choosing shoes, look for:

Non-skid soles
Adequate support
A correct fit

Avoid walking in just socks, as this can increase the risk of slipping.

By adding these tips into your daily routine, you can create a safer living environment and reduce the risk of falls. Remember, prevention is the best protection, and making small changes can make a big difference in your overall health and well-being. Want to learn more about other resources? Check out our other blog posts for more advice and recipes.

It’s your life. Live it your way.

WelbeHealth provides full-service healthcare and personalized support to help you age well at home and in your community. Our Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) meets the changing needs of seniors, often at no cost. To see if you qualify, visit: welbehealth.com/contact