A simple thing can change your life, like tripping on a rug or slipping on a wet spot on the kitchen floor. If you fall, then you might be like the thousands of older men and women each year who break, or fracture, a bone. A broken bone might not sound awful. But, for older people, a break can be the start of more serious problems.
Many things can make you more likely to fall. Your eyesight, hearing, muscles, and reflexes might not be as sharp as when you were younger. Diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, or blood vessels can affect your balance. Some medicines can cause dizziness.
Then there's osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and more likely to break easily. Many people think osteoporosis is only a problem for women past menopause, but it can also affect older men. Weak bones can mean that even a minor fall might be dangerous.
Don't let a fear of falling keep you from being active. Doing things like getting together with friends, gardening, walking, or going to the local senior center are also important for staying healthy. The good news is that there are simple ways you can prevent most falls.
If you take care of your overall health, you may be able to lower your chances of falling. Most of the time, falls and accidents don't "just happen." Here are a few hints that will help you avoid falls and broken bones:
And, always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last checkup, even if you aren't hurt when you fall.
You can help prevent falls by following a few safety rules and by making changes to unsafe areas in your home.
In stairways, hallways, and pathways:
In bathrooms and powder rooms:
In your bedroom:
In other living areas:
Many State and local governments have education and/or home modification programs to help older people prevent falls. Check with your local health department, division of elder affairs, or area agency on aging to see if there is a program near you. See For More Information to contact the Eldercare Locator for help.
Rebuilding Together has a "Home Safety Checklist" you can use to help you lower your risk of falling at home. See their listing in For More Information. For More Information
Here are some helpful resources:
Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (toll-free) www.eldercare.gov
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