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Facts About Falls

  • Every year, 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and over falls.
  • Hip fracture is the most serious injury from a fall.
  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of hospitalization among older adults.

Ways to Prevent Falls

  • Exercise regularly
  • Get regular vision tests
  • Be careful when taking medications that affect coordination and balance
  • Limit alcohol
  • Avoid getting up too quickly after eating or lying down
  • Use a cane or walker to help maintain balance
  • Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes
  • Have chairs at the proper height with sturdy arms
  • Have good lighting and remove clutter along stairways and hallways
  • Have stairways with handrails
  • Make sure that rugs or carpets are firmly attached to the floor
  • Put night-lights in bathrooms and bedrooms
  • Use non-slip mats and grab bars in bathrooms

Download a home safety checklist at: http://www.cchrchealth.org/safety/

 

Reference: National Council on Aging

https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/