Preventing Falls: A Senior’s Guide to Staying Safe and Steady
- Debra Copeland
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Fall prevention is an important topic for older adults to consider because of physical
changes and health conditions that occur with aging. According to the Centers for
Disease Control, 2024), one in four adults over 65 years report falling every year, which
can lead to injuries, health problems, and long-term disabilities. However, you can take
an active part in preventing falls in your own life.
Fall Prevention in Older Adults
Falls occur when older adults lose their balance, such as tripping on a rug, or slipping
on a wet floor, often initiating a visit to the emergency room. There are many reasons
why older adults are at high risk of falling, including 1) medications, 2) health conditions,
3) mobility issues, 4) inadequate footwear, and 5) home hazards. It is important to talk
with your health care provider about how to prevent falls. Consider the following
prevention strategies:
Your Daily Medications. Make a list of the daily medications that you
take (prescription and over the counter), and bring it to your medical
appointment. Your health care provider can determine which medications
may make you at higher risk of falls. Side effects of certain drugs, like
sleeping pills, muscle-relaxants, and prescription pain pills, can cause
sedation, trouble with balance, and confusion. Taking one or more
medications increases your risk of falling.
Your Health Conditions. Vision (eyesight) and hearing loss can cause
falls. Get your vision and hearing tested on a regular basis, and follow
medical advice about using glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids.
Certain conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, or problems with
your thyroid, blood pressure, or feet, can cause you to lose your balance,
and possibly fall. Monitor your conditions with your health care provider.
Your Mobility Problems. As we age, it is normal to have some mobility
issues, such as the ability to move around. Being unsteady when walking,
having difficulty getting in and out of a chair, or falling, may indicate that
you have a mobility problem. Contact your health care provider for advice
on the type of physical activities that would be most appropriate for you to
do. Physical activity can go a long way in preventing falls.
Your Shoes. Any fall prevention plan would not be complete without
looking at your shoes that you wear on a daily basis. It is important to
wear sturdy, low-heeled, properly fitting shoes with nonskid soles. Avoid
wearing high heels, floppy or ill-fitted shoes or slippers. Note that wearing
shoes with slick soles can cause you to stumble and fall.
Your Home. Make your home safer by removing potential fall hazards.
Remove rugs from your home, or secure rugs with slip-resistant backing.
Remove boxes and electrical cords from walkways. Immediately clean
spilled liquids on floors. Use nonslip mats in bathtub or shower, and bath
chair in shower. Keep hallways and stairs well-lit so you can see objects.
When needed, use assistive devices such as handrails for stairs, raised
toilet seat, and grab bars for shower or tub.
What You Can Do
Talk with your health care provider about any concerns you have about falling. The risk
of falling increases the older you get, but you can lessen those risks by learning how to
prevent falls. It is important to stay active while maintaining safety in your home and life.
Written by Debra Copeland
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