AgingMatters from LeadingAge NJ

7 Tips For Fewer Senior Falls This Fall

A Word from the Center for Disease Control
Learn how to prevent falls

Fall conjures up images of brightly colored leaves, hot apple cider and wrapping yourself up in your favorite sweater, but for our seniors, " fall" may have an entirely different connotation.  Each year, millions of adults aged 65 and older fall. 

  • Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
  • In 2012, 2.4 million nonfatal falls among older adults were treated in emergency departments and more than 722,000 of these patients were hospitalized.
  • In 2012, the direct medical costs of falls, adjusted for inflation, were $30 billion.
Fortunately, falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable.  So, what can we do to prevent senior falls? Let's listen to what the CDC has to say.

1. Exercise regularly. Exercise makes you stronger and improves your balance and coordination.

2. Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.

3. Have your vision checked at least once a year by an eye doctor. Poor vision can increase your risk of falling.

4. Paint a contrasting color on the top edge of all steps so you can see the stairs better. For example, use a light color paint on dark wood.

5. Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or up from the toilet?  Have a carpenter put grab bars inside the tub and next to the toilet.

6. Do you have throw rugs on the floor?  Remove the rugs or use double-sided tape or a non-slip backing so the rugs won't slip.

7. Think about wearing an alarm device that will bring help in case you fall and can't get up.


 

Click here to view the full CDC safety checklist.

Prevent senior falls
LeadingAgeNJ