Preventing Falls

Choose activities that focus on strength, endurance, and balance. This will keep you agile. You will find it easier to avoid dangerous moments or to react quickly when they happen. Also, exercise helps keep our brains healthy. Learn more about staying active HERE.

If you are tired, you are more likely to fall, and more likely to get severely injured if that happens. Learn how to improve sleep HERE.

If you can’t see well, you’re more likely to fall. Get your eyes checked annually and wear your glasses when you need them. Hearing is also important because it supports brain health, social activity, and ability to function independently. All these are linked to fall reduction. Get your ears checked and wear hearing aids if needed.

Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist to see if any of your medications increase the risk of falls. Also, take extra care if you are on a lot of medications. Anyone taking more than four medications is at increased risk of falling.

Sometimes, aging adults resist using a cane, walker, or other aid because of pride, or they believe it signals “the beginning of the end.” But using these devices actually improves health and helps people remain social, active, and independent. Ask a health care provider for advice about what’s best for you. Also, ask about loan programs so you can try something out before committing. And once you find the right aid, use it! Getting used to new habits can take a few weeks, but eventually it will feel natural. Learn about finding the right walking aid and other assistive devices, as well as sources of financial support, in this fact-sheet. Find more information on financial support HERE.

Studies show that fall prevention programs decrease fall risk by as much as 55%.

To find a class, check with local community centres, seniors’ centres, or your medical clinic, and see the Resources section for a link to Osteofit Fall Prevention Classes.

Falls happen more often when people go barefoot, or when shoes don’t fit well, so get yourself good shoes for indoors and outdoors. Also, invest in tools that can make your life safer, such as reachers, anti-skid soles, shower chairs, hip protectors.

Learn more in this fact-sheet about assistive devices. Find out about sources of funding for equipment, including walking aids, HERE.

Nutritious meals keep up strength, resistance, and balance. Vitamin D is important for strong bones—read this fact sheet and/or ask your doctor or a dietitian for recommendations for supplements. Also, don’t skip meals—it can make you weak and dizzy. Finally, drink lots of fluids, ideally water, and avoid alcohol.