About Falls Prevention

Maintain a regular exercise program to help balance and strength.

Below are some activities you can try. You may repeat these as often as your comfort level allows.

Marching

Walk and lift your knees in a marching motion while swinging your arms.

One-leg stands

Stand on one leg while holding on to the back of a chair. Try again with your eyes closed. Repeat with your other leg.

Upper thigh strength

Practice standing from a sitting position. Stand up and sit down as many times as you can in 30 seconds.

Tracking

Without moving your head, move your eyes from left to right. Next, focus on an object. Without moving your eyes, move your head back and forth.

Falls are the second leading cause of accidental death and the leading cause of injury in the United States. Preventing falls is important at any age, but it is especially important for adults 65 and older. Older adults are hospitalized for fall related injuries five times more often than for any other cause.

Know the correct way to fall.

Drop what you are carrying in your hands. Bend your arms to help break your fall, go limp and roll. If you fall and think something is broken, don’t move until you receive medical help.

Most falls happen in or around the home.

Look for ways to make your home safer:

• Remove clutter and throw rugs from stairs and hallways.
• Be aware of pets under your feet.
• Improvethelightinginyourhome,replace burnt-out bulbs. Use nightlights in hallways.
• Install grab bars in your shower and next to your toilet.
• Install a phone in as many rooms as possible.
• Use a cane, walking stick or walker to help maintain balance.
• Wearsupportive,rubber-soled,low-heeled shoes, even in the house.
• Keep all walkways clear of ice and snow
• Pay attention to effects of medicines. Ask your doctor if a medicine might make it hard to keep your balance.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help reaching for an object or carrying objects.

If you live alone, arrange for daily contact with a friend or family member. This will let others know you are in trouble more quickly when they can’t reach you.

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