Tips for Preventing Falls in Later Life

Simply being afraid of falling can affect mobility and independence. A study published in the April 2008 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that 60 percent of 673 older community–dwelling adults who said they were worried about falling avoided everyday activities, such as shopping, bathing, walking outdoors, and visiting relatives and friends. Learning some preventative tips will help keep you on your feet.

“Seniors are at greater risk of experiencing complications, such as fractures, because of their age,” says Dr. Mark L. Schamblin, an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, knee, and elbow with Southern California Orthopedic Institute.

What you can do to prevent falls:
If you're concerned about falling, have your physician assess your situation, prescribe a plan to put you on a safe track, and help set your mind at ease. Your physician can evaluate your gait (how steadily you walk), the sensation in your feet, your medications, your vision, and your muscle power. Additionally, your clinician may refer you to a physical therapist or another professional who can suggest anti-falling techniques and ways to improve the safety of your home.

To avoid falls, try some of these proven strategies:

• Exercise. Weak muscles, poor balance, and limited flexibility due to arthritis often turn trips into falls. In one study, a fall prevention program comprising strength training and balance exercises reduced falls and fall-related injuries by 35 percent in people ages 80 and over.
• Check your vision. Age-related vision changes also contribute to accidents and falls. Have regular eye exams and keep your glasses or contacts up-to-date.
• Review your medications. The body's response to medication, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs, changes with age. Some medications—narcotic pain relievers, antihypertensives, and certain tranquilizers, for example—may cause drowsiness or dizziness or otherwise impair balance. Regularly review your medications with your clinician, and discuss the possibility of dropping or changing those that may be causing troublesome side effects.
• Remove home hazards. Many fixes are simple and inexpensive:
  • Improve your home's lighting with higher wattage, fluorescent bulbs, or additional lamps. Night-lights or other nighttime lighting may also help.
  • Keep stairs and walkways uncluttered.
  • Rearrange kitchens and closets so that you can easily reach the items you use most often.
  • Install handrails on stairways and landings, and put light switches at the top and bottom of stairways.
  • Use nonslip strips or rubber mats in tubs or showers.

For more information on tips for avoiding falls, or to schedule an appointment with a specialist, contact Southern California Orthopedic Institute at (877) 933-3387.