Try these fall prevention activities to reduce your risk of a fall.
Did you know that September 22 is National Falls Prevention Awareness Day? It’s an opportunity to bring attention to this important issue that impacts the health of so many people.
Taking precautions to avoid falls is one of the best things seniors can do to prevent injuries. That’s why we want to outline some essential fall prevention activities anyone can start doing today:
- Remove possible hazards at home
- Discuss your risk with your doctor
- Test your vision and hearing
- Do stretches and balance exercises
- Upgrade your shoes
- Research medical alert systems
Let’s check out these smart fall prevention activities!
Remove possible hazards at home
Everyone wants their home to be a safe place to relax. You don’t want to have to keep your head on a swivel every time you walk around! Instead, design your space in a way that makes things worry-free going forward. Do a “sweep” of your house and outdoor areas, keeping an eye out for tripping hazards like throw rugs, cluttered floors, unsecured extension cords, and sidewalk cracks. Have anything risky fixed or removed.
Discuss your risk with your doctor
Some things make you more susceptible to falls. Ask your doctor if there are any additional risk factors you should keep in mind. Maybe one of your medications can cause dizziness or vertigo, or you have a health condition like diabetes, a thyroid condition, or nerve issues that affect your balance. Your doctor knows your health history, so they’re the best person to ask!
Test your vision and hearing
Our ears are essential to our balance abilities. The vestibular system, located inside our inner ear, is a sensory system that provides our brains and bodies with the right information about motion and spatial orientation as we move. That’s why hearing issues can also throw off our balance, and it’s important to get it checked! Vision issues can cause you to miss seeing a hazard or misjudge distances, causing potential falls — so schedule a visit to your eye doctor as well.
Do stretches and balance exercises
By keeping your body strong and healthy, you’ll be steadier on your feet and more equipped to catch yourself before a slip. Check out these exercises to improve balance! You can also incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to keep your bones and muscles healthy. When you discuss your risk factors with you doctor, ask about incorporating any new exercises into your routine.
Upgrade your shoes
Take yourself shopping for National Falls Prevention Awareness Day! Shoes are absolutely a key to stability: think about the difference between walking around in high heels and wearing a sturdy non-slip boot or shoe. Check out this guide to finding comfortable, stylish, safe shoes for seniors.
Research medical alert systems
If you’ve fallen in the past, it’s wise to take extra precautions to prevent any future events from becoming serious. There are a number of medical alert systems that come with fall detection, and they can be worth the investment for the peace of mind they bring. Here’s how to decide if you’re ready for a medical alert system.
Looking for other ideas for staying healthy and active outside of these fall prevention activities? Visit this site frequently to stay up to date with the senior living and independence posts on the CapTel blog!
