According to a CDC report, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, and over 14 million older adults report falling every year. Falls can result in serious injuries such as fractures and even traumatic brain injuries, significantly impacting independence, mobility and overall quality of life. Falling doesn’t have to be an inevitable part of aging, however. Understanding the factors that contribute to falls and taking proactive steps to reduce those risks can help you continue to live the active life you love with confidence.
Understand Your Fall Risks
Falls are often a result of a combination of factors, including medical, physical and environmental. Being aware of your personal risk factors is the first step towards prevention. Some of the most common risk factors for older adults include:
- Lower body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Poor balance and gait
- Side-effects of medications such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and steadiness.
- Recent injuries or illnesses that impact your strength, stamina and mobility
- Vision or hearing Impairment
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards such as loose rugs, uneven surfaces, clutter that blocks pathways or poor lighting
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risks?
Once you understand what may be increasing your risk for falls, you can take meaningful steps to improve safety, stability, strength and balance.
Talk With Your Healthcare Provider
In addition to regular check-ups and health screenings, it’s important to start a conversation with your healthcare provider about how your medical conditions or medications may affect your mobility or balance. In some cases, they may be able to prescribe alternative medications that have fewer side-effects and recommend strategies to better manage your health conditions.
Take Steps to Create a Safer Home Environment
Many falls occur at home, so it’s important to create an environment that ensures safer mobility. Some steps you can take include:
- Removing loose rugs or adding a non-slip backing to reduce slipping hazards
- Ensuring your pathways are clear by removing clutter, cords, or furniture that could cause you to trip
- Placing nightlights or motion-sensor lighting in bathrooms and hallways to ensure nighttime visibility
- Keeping a flashlight by your bed in case of power outages
- Ensuring your stairs have secure handrails on both sides
- Keeping items you use frequently on lower shelves to reduce the need for stepladders
Check out this room by room guide from The National Institute on Aging for more tips on creating a safer environment.
Be Proactive
You don’t have to wait until you have a fall to seek help. Rehabilitation therapy can be an effective way to reduce fall risks before an injury occurs. At Fredericksburg Health and Rehab, we help seniors who may be at increased risk due to chronic health conditions, aging, injuries, illnesses or surgeries. Our occupational and physical therapy services in Fredericksburg, VA, can help individuals rebuild strength, balance and coordination so they can reduce risks and experience safer mobility.
Contact us today to learn how we can help you reduce fall risks and stay active, independent and confident in the new year.