10 Tips To Avoid Falls

Avoid falls According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control, at least one in three adults over the age of 65 will take a fall this year. Of that number, a third will suffer a moderate to severe injury as a result. Falls can even increase the likelihood of an early death. But as the old adage goes, Falls are inevitable but injuries are preventable. These 10 tips will help you avoid taking a tumble in the future, and avoid an injury if you do fall.

Remove Clutter

Remove things like papers, books and clothes from areas where you normally walk such as the hallway or stairs. Arranging your furniture to allow you a wide passage when you walk can be beneficial as well.

Avoiding Chairs with a Swivel or Wheels

If you have a chair with wheels on it, be sure to set the lock on it before getting up or sitting down. Chairs with wheels can slide out from someone and are a sure-fire way to get a broken hip or tailbone if not taken seriously. Nineteen inches from the ground is a good height for a chair. This will make it easier for seniors to get up and down.

Raised Toilet Seats

The bathroom is potentially the most dangerous room in the house, with plenty of opportunities to slip and fall. To help you get up and down easier, consider buying a raised toilet seat. These can be picked up at any local drug store, and give you anywhere from four to six inches of extra height while sitting on the toilet.

Shower Accessories

A holding bar to help you get in and out, non-slip mats, and a shower chair all provide added safety measures when you take a shower. If mobility is becoming an issue -- or already is one -- then consider one of these accessories.

Motion-Sensor Night Lights Automatic or motion sensor night lights (like the Clapper) are great to have in your home if you need to get up in the middle of the night for anything. Also, lightweight curtains or shades are helpful for reducing glare and increasing visibility during the day.

Take a Pilates or Tai Chi Class Taking an exercise class like Pilates or Tai Chi can help build muscle as well as increase your mobility and your balance. These classes are not physically demanding, so risk of injury is minimal.

Get Routine Checkups

Go see your health care provider on a regular basis, and be extra cautious if you are taking medications that cause you to get sleepy or dizzy. See your eye doctor at least once a year to check for cataracts, glaucoma, or other conditions that could impair your vision.

Exercise Core Muscles

Even if you don't want to take a class, you should find ways to exercise your core. Having strong core muscles will increase your balance, stability, and mobility. Core exercises can include standing on alternating feet, sitting in a chair and lifting one leg at a time, and using small weights for some resistance training.