Are you a senior citizen who is worried about falling? We understand your concerns – falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among seniors, with one in four adults over 65 experiencing a fall every year. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling.
In this blog post, we’ll look at six key tips that can help prevent falls and keep you safe. So read on for our top tips for preventing falls as you age.
Exercise Regularly
If you're looking to stay strong and steady on your feet, incorporating regular exercise into your routine is a great way to achieve those goals. Not only does exercise help to build muscle and improve stamina, but it also plays a critical role in maintaining balance and preventing falls- particularly as we age.
Whether it's through weight-bearing activities like walking or jogging, or targeted movements like yoga or Pilates, finding a type of exercise that you enjoy and can stick with is an important first step in staying healthy and vibrant throughout your life. Remember, every step (literally) counts towards building a stronger version of you.
Use a Cane or Walker for Extra Stability
When it comes to staying mobile in your golden years, sometimes a little extra help is needed. And that's where canes and walkers come in. These trusty tools provide an extra layer of stability and support, making it easier for those who may struggle with balance or mobility to get around with confidence.
Whether you're recovering from an injury or simply need a little extra help navigating the world around you, a cane or walker can be a game-changer. So don't be afraid to give yourself the support you need – after all, staying mobile means staying independent and living life on your own terms.
Stand up Slowly to Avoid Dizziness
We've all experienced it before — that sudden feeling of dizziness when standing up too quickly can be concerning. It can be disorienting and even dangerous, especially for those with certain medical conditions.
The good news is, there's an easy way to avoid it: stand up slowly. Taking your time to rise to your feet allows your body the chance to adjust to the change in position and maintain proper blood flow to the brain.
So next time you're getting up from a seated or lying down position, take a few extra seconds and stand up gradually. Your head (and possibly your entire body) will thank you for it.
Get Your Vision and Hearing Checked Regularly
As a senior citizen, it's important to have regular checkups already, but it's absolutely critical to include vision and hearing checks into the mix. Getting older can come with some natural vision and hearing declines, but if caught early, many issues can be managed to ensure your comfort and quality of life.
Plus, staying on top of changes in your vision and hearing can go a long way in helping you keep up balance-boosting activities that can potentially help stave off a fall down the line. So don't forget: every time you head to the doctor for an exam, make sure you get an update on your eyes and ears too.
Discuss Medicine Side Effects with Your Doctor
As we age, many of us find ourselves taking multiple medications to manage various health conditions. However, with each new prescription comes a new set of possible side effects, some of which can increase our risk of falling. It's important to talk with your healthcare provider about these potential side effects and any concerns you may have about falling.
Your provider can offer insight on ways to minimize your risk, such as adjusting medication dosages or changing the time of day you take them. Being proactive about discussing medication side effects can help you maintain your independence and prevent injuries from falls.
Reduce the Risk of Falling at Home with a Few Simple Steps
Falling in your own home can be a scary experience, and as we age, the risk increases. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to prevent it. One easy step is to use night lights in hallways and bathrooms, giving you visibility during nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Another is to install grab bars in the bathroom to provide support when getting in and out of the tub or shower. Finally, securing loose carpets to the floor can prevent slips and falls. These simple changes can make a big difference in the safety of your home, and give you peace of mind knowing you've taken steps to reduce the chance of a fall.
Stay Safe with Maximum Care
As we age, taking steps to stay healthy and safe is essential. Exercise regularly to stay strong and have good balance, use a cane or walker if needed for more stability, stand up slowly if you experience dizziness and make sure your vision and hearing are checked regularly.
Additionally, talk with your healthcare provider about potential side effects from medication and make adjustments to your home such as night lights and grab bars in the bathroom. Taking appropriate preventative measures will go a long way to ensure safety.
From exercising to ensuring that our surroundings are supportive of our needs as we age, Maximum Care has tips to help keep you and the senior citizens in your life safe. So don’t hesitate — check out Maximum Care today!
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