Fall Prevention

As our bodies age and change, the risk of falling and incurring a serious injury increases. Each year, one in every three adults ages 65 or older has a serious fall, with more than 2 million people treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. Along with the pain and impact to health and independence, a serious fall can also be a financially costly accident.

In the US about $50 billion is spent on non-fatal fall injuries and $754 million is spent on fatal falls each year. Thankfully, falls aren’t an inevitable part of aging. In fact, many dangerous falls can be prevented with some simple precautions.

1. Talk to your doctor about medications

Some medicines or combinations of medicines have side effects that cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can make a serious fall more likely. A simple doctor’s visit to review your medications can help reduce the chance of unwanted side effects.

2. Stay active/exercise

Staying active and healthy is important in any stage of life and can help keep legs from weakening. To help keep strength and balance intact, consider maintaining a light exercise regimen with exercise equipment. Walking, water aerobics, yoga, Tai Chi and light physical activity throughout the day can reduce fall risk dramatically.

3. Wear the right shoes

Improper footwear has been the culprit of many a bad fall. Steer clear of wearing high heels, flip flops, backless shoes or shoes that don’t fit well when at all possible. Any shoes without good treads or nonskid soles should be avoided as well. Use non slip shoes, especially in slippery conditions.

Silver Steps Feather Lite Walking Shoe

Keep in control on any terrain. These shoes feature a thick sole for shock absorption and a non-skid waffle tread to add versatile safety for everyday wear.

Dr. Comfort Breeze Women’s Sandal

Sandal features lightweight leather with a spacious, protective toe box and hook-and-loop strap for custom fit. Feet stay dry thanks to the open design where air flows freely through.

4. Remove potential home hazards

Since around half of all falls happen at home, doing a quick home safety check can be the difference between living comfortably and having a serious fall-related injury. Removing floor clutter and furniture in unsafe places, securing rug edges and repairing loose floorboards can help reduce the risk of a fall.

Nonslip Rug Grips Set/2

Special texture keeps rugs in place on wood, tile, carpet, and linoleum. Rug gripper allows you to easily remove rugs without sticky residue left behind.

Corner Rug Grips, Set of 8

Reusable corner rug grips. Simply press polymer rug grips to underside of rug to eliminate dangerous curling and bunching. Will not damage floors.

5. Vision and lighting

More light/keep vision sharp: Poor vision and lighting conditions can make it harder to see obstacles and get around safely. Routine eye exams ensure prescriptions are up to date and at the appropriate strength for clear vision, while also offering a venue to speak to an eye care professional. Adding light to hallways and other high-traffic areas, turning on lights before going up or down the stairs and installing nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms can all help prevent a serious fall.

Himalayan Salt Healthy Night Light

Breathe easy and wake up refreshed. Ideal for creating tranquility while lighting any dark area. Salt lamp helps boost serotonin for improved moods and energy.

12 LED Motion Sensor Table Lamp

Motion sensor table lamp helps prevent trips and falls when light is low. The wireless lamp automatically switches on when motion is detected and switches off after a minute in motionless areas.

6. Don’t be afraid to use assistance

Simple assistive tools like tub bars, handrails and non slip treads on stairs offer the right amount of grip and traction to prevent serious falls, and can eliminate hazard areas in homes. Non-slip mats and bath safety equipment are also great resources in high-risk areas like bathtubs and shower floors.