Active Living Prevents Falls… today and in years to come 

One in three seniors is likely to take a tumble this year, and many of those falls will result in serious injury.

What does that mean for you? If there’s an aging parent in your life, or if you’re looking back at middle age, there are some simple ways you can protect yourself and your loved ones from a potentially serious fall.

Falls are not a normal part of aging — they can be prevented. In fact, falls are the most easily prevented risk to health for seniors.

Regular, healthy eating is basic to staying strong. Monitoring your sight, hearing, and medications is important, too. See checklist below to make your home safer.

Getting and staying active is one of the most effective and pleasurable ways to prevent falls. And falls prevention is just one of the benefits of active living. Other benefits include a healthy heart, a healthy weight, strong bones, less stress, and more fun! To prevent falls, the aim is to improve strength, flexibility, and balance with a variety of activities.

But don’t wait until life is less busy to get moving. Take the time today for a brisk walk or a trip to the gym. Garden calisthenics help, too.

The gentle Chinese art of Tai Chi is a proven way to prevent falls (Tai Chi is also credited with relieving arthritis pain and reducing stress). Remember, “A journey of 1000 miles starts with a single step.”

Working with Communities to Prevent Falls

Resources:

•   "Occupational Therapy Assessment Toolkit of Fall Risk in the Elderly; a review of the literature”, by a Canadian team including Interior Health’s Chris Dixon of Vernon.
• "Prevention of Falls and Injuries Among the Elderly": Report from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer (2004)
• BC Injury Research Prevention Unit
• Social Planning Council

Home Hazard Checklist
To reduce the risk of falling in your home

• Remove throw rugs or scatter mats, especially from high-traffic areas or at the top of stairs. Put non-skid backing on any rugs you retain.
• Keep high-traffic areas clear of telephone and electrical cords, parcels, shoes, and other obstacles.
• Do not wax floors, or use non-skid floor wax. Place non-slip surfaces on stairs, balconies, porches, and patios.
• Keep your home well lit, particularly stairways, porches, balconies, hallways, and bedrooms. Have light switches at the top and bottom of stairs, at the entrance to the bedroom, and by the bed.
• Keep pets out from under your feet.
• Have a solid hand rail or banister on both sides of the stairs and ensure stair carpets or runners are well fastened.
• In the bathroom, have a non-slip surface or bathmat in the shower and bath.
• Install grab bars by the toilet, shower, and bath.
• Have a bath seat to enable showering while sitting if you tire while standing.
• Place pots, pans, canned goods, and frequently used items in easy-to-reach locations.
• Have a phone near the bed.
• Keep a clear path from the bed to the bathroom. Have a nightlight to illuminate the path if you get up during the night.
• Don't get up from bed too fast. Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute so you don't experience dizziness