Strategies to Avoid Falls

Naturally, as people age, their muscles waste away, and they experience weight loss.

Injuries sustained from falls are among the leading causes of death in old age. Surprisingly, a simple trip or slip in the home, hospital, or street can be fatal. But is there a way to prevent such falls?

Here are some strategies older people can use to avoid any mishaps:

Exercise for at least 150 minutes each week

Naturally, as people age, their muscles waste away, and they experience weight loss. Additionally, the fluid that lubricates the joints isn’t as effective, causing stiffness which limits movement. These, combined with other factors such as hip replacements or arthritis, make an older person more susceptible to tripping and falling.

However, exercising for at least 30 minutes daily can help prevent these issues. It strengthens the muscles and makes joints flexible enough to absorb the impact of abrupt movements. Furthermore, exercise improves balance and coordination.

Have regular ear and eye check-ups

The eyes and ears play an important role in body movement. Visual cues help to differentiate objects and determine the distance between the body and any items around it. The inner ears, on the other hand, help to maintain balance in head and body movements.

With aging, however, the eyes and ears experience a decline that affects their normal functioning. The eyes are prone to short- or long-sighted issues, and the inner ears get affected by age-related disorders and infections. All of which increases the chances of falling.

For those reasons, older people must undergo regular eye and ear check-ups. This way, doctors can identify problems early on and offer solutions that help reduce the chances of falling.

Adopt assistive walking devices

Although some older adults are reluctant to use them, assistive walking devices can provide stability while moving and carrying out daily activities. Nonetheless, it’s advisable to consult a health professional before getting such a device. Their assessment will help determine the most suitable model, depending on the person’s condition and age.

Some of the assistive devices a professional might recommend include:

• A cane or wheelchair

• Grab bar and handrails in key areas such as the bathroom

• Stairlifts

• Uplift seat assist

• Non-slip treads

Light the house brightly

A poorly lit house increases the likelihood of stumbling, tripping, or misjudging the distance between objects. To avoid this, older people should use brighter light bulbs or increase the current wattage of existing bulbs. These bulbs should focus on areas with a high risk of falling, such as staircases, bathrooms, and hallways.

Besides preventing falls, a brightly lit room reduces eye strain and makes older adults feel more at ease when walking around.

Prevent falls

Although age increases the risk of falling, most accidents are avoidable. Older people should ask for assistance where necessary and use all the possible means to reduce the chances of falling. It’s also important to seek guidance from a professional on the right strategies to follow.