Content Map Terms
An accidental fall can happen to anyone at any age. A change in weather conditions, being distracted during a busy day or even walking in an unfamiliar area are just a few reasons that can cause anyone to slip or trip. Falling can be embarrassing for many people; but, for older adults, even a simple fall can be much more serious.
Did you know? On average, every 10 minutes a senior is sent to hospital with an injury caused by a fall. A broken hip, wrist or even a head injury can be a common result for a senior who has fallen down. These injuries can have a major impact on an older person’s way of living, including a loss of independence in their home, chronic pain and disability, and can also impact their family or loved ones.
Some people believe falls are a normal part of aging and can’t be prevented, or that a fall won’t happen to them. The truth is there are many practical things you can do to prevent falls.
Here are four ways you, your family, and loved ones can take steps to prevent falls from happening:
- Keep your body active: You are less likely to fall if you have strong muscles and good balance from regular exercise. Read more about physical activity for older adults.
- Have your eyes checked by an optometrist once a year: Good vision can reduce your risk of falling. Wearing your prescribed eye glasses is crucial.
- Have your doctor or pharmacist review your medications: Some medications can make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or unsteady on your feet.
- Make your home safer: Falls are often due to home hazards that are easy to fix but overlooked.
Talk to your family about falls prevention and take action to help ensure that the senior years are free from falling.
For more information and resources about falls prevention, visit Finding Balance B.C.