Did you know every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall?
For older adults, a fall can trigger a series of events that ultimately result in declining health and a loss of independence. Fortunately, most falls are preventable. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) one out of four older adults will fall each year in the United States, making falls a public health concern, particularly among the aging population.
To prevent sudden falls, you may exercise to improve your balance and strength. Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger, lower your chances of falling.
If you determine that you may be at high risk of a fall, take action now. Since bone quality decreases with age, you are at a higher risk of a bone fracture if you fall, and once a fracture occurs, it may lead down a slippery health slope.
10 Tips to Prevent Falling
- Remove things you can trip over from stairs and places where you walk.
- Check with your eye doctor, and update your eyeglasses, if needed.
- Add handrails on both sides of staircases.
- Do exercises to help increase your strength and improve your balance.
- Ensure you have good lighting throughout your home.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Removing unneeded furniture to give more room to maneuver.
- Make sure your shoes fit well and don’t have a tendency to slip off.
- Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best types of exercise programs for you.
While it’s impossible to completely prevent a fall, exercises that focus on balance and strength training can reduce the risk of falling. Activities that keep you on your feet and moving, such as walking, can help you maintain good balance. But specific exercises are designed to enhance your balance.
Mayo Clinic for example, suggests balancing on one foot while you’re standing for a period of time at home, or when you’re out and about, or, stand up from a seated position without using your hands. Or try walking in a line, heel to toe, for a short distance.
Now that you know more about fall prevention, explore our gallery and floorplan section to see what our beautiful senior living community has to offer.
Cambridge Enhanced Senior Living offers Assisted Living in Moorestown, NJ, Memory Care and Respite Care lifestyles.