It is important to prevent slips as we age. You’ll be able to stay independent for longer if you can reduce the risk factors (and, as a bonus, you’ll be less likely to get hurt!).

Here are some statistics about falls that you should know whether you are a senior or caring about someone who is elderly, as well as some handy tips for preventing falls at home.

Why is it so critical to avoid falls as you get older?

While a fall can happen to someone at any age, the chances of falling rise as we age and our bodies change. These reforms will take several years to manifest. Falling is also riskier for seniors, as they are more likely to injure themselves and inflict irreversible harm.

To defend ourselves, we must be cautious and mindful of these developments. You should ask friends and family if they’ve seen any differences in you, as well as for assistance with tasks that could put you at risk of dropping. It’s important not to let your ego prevent you from seeking assistance. It is preferable to have sought assistance and not fallen than to have fallen and suffered the consequences. Be sure you tell the doctor of every drop you’ve had; they will help you devise a strategy to reduce your chances of falling again.

Falls can be caused by a variety of causes, including:

Our eyesight is deteriorating, and our bodies and joints are deteriorating as well. Reduced equilibrium Sensation loss of our feet or legs Had trouble focusing on different tasks Reaction speeds are slower. Drowsiness, unsteadiness, and confusion are all side effects of some medications that can increase the risk of falling. Certain medical disorders, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, dementia, low blood pressure, and osteoporosis (to name a few).

Here are some easy measures you can try to avoid your risk of falling, particularly in your house.

• Get regular check-ups with your doctor – have regular check-ups with your doctor to address your health conditions to make sure they’re well-managed, including any medications you’re taking.
• Continue to be active! You are less likely to crash while you are involved. This is because keeping fit allows your muscles to stay healthier, your balance to improve, and your joints to become less rigid.
• Eat well– by ensuring that your diet meets your body’s requirements, you will stay high and safe, lowering your chance of dropping.
• Drink lots of water to keep hydrated – this is especially necessary for hot weather, as dehydration has been linked to an increased risk of falls in seniors.
• Slowly, steadily, and purposefully move. This ensures your safety, particularly when getting up from a sitting or lying position.
• Speak with a physical therapist. They will give you unique activities and instruct you about whether or not you need a walking aid (such as a walking stick or frame) to remain healthy.
• Keeping an eye on your vision and the protection of your pupils. After the age of 40, our eyes begin to deteriorate, making them more vulnerable to misjudging distance and depth. Because of the differences in our skin, it takes longer for our eyes to respond to light changes such as illumination and glare.

• Wear fitting footwear – Choose shoes that are firm, lightweight, and flat, with strong traction on the soles. Do not wander about in ill-fitting slippers or gloves. If you have sore, tingly, desensitised, or swelling feet, see the doctor for a referral to a podiatrist, who will support you with a variety of foot problems.

Are you afraid of falling?

Understandably, you’re concerned about falling, particularly if you’ve had a bad fall before.

You can benefit by doing the following:

Discuss your problems with a psychiatrist, a clinical psychologist, or a counsellor; they are excellent people who will assist you with your worries. Discuss the possibility of using a walking aid with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. It will only be a matter of time before you regain your power or trust. Consult a physiotherapist, a certified exercise physiologist, or an accredited fitness coach to improve strength and fitness. Enhance the security of your home and garden to give you greater trust in your surroundings.

Remove trip hazards such as cables and mats, make sure the house is well-lit, add rails and non-slip mats, and remove objects that cast shadows over pathways outside, as this makes it more difficult to see trip hazards. It is important to have an emergency plan in place in case you fail, and this would ensure that you get the assistance you need.