Fall Prevention is in Season
Published Monday, October 17, 2022
By Lily Colquhoun, Prevention and Screening Clinical Services
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among Canadian adults aged 65 and older. In Canada, a fall occurs every 12 seconds and of these fall victims, 67 per cent suffer life-threatening injuries if they are not found within 72 hours.
Factors that can increase our risk of falls include unsafe home conditions, poor balance, decreased muscle and bone strength, chronic health conditions, reduced vision or hearing, as well as improper footwear.
The best way to fend off serious injuries from falls is to avoid them. While falls are not always preventable, taking these small steps can diminish or eliminate some of the elements that pose a fall risk.
- Keep a safe living environment. A regular cleaning routine can keep you in the habit of having your home clear of clutter. Additionally, ensuring that your living areas are brightly lit with wires out of the way, carpets fixed to the floor, and handrails installed can aid in reducing tripping hazards. If you are a pet owner, make sure that you know where your animal is before standing or walking to avoid them getting under your feet.
- Sidestep poor balance. Standing up slowly to avoid unsteadiness and sitting down if you feel dizzy are two simple ways to stay on your feet. Using assistive devices like walkers and canes can also steady you and help to avoid a fall.
- Stay active and eat well. Regular exercise that improves strength, balance and flexibility can go a long way. Activities such as yoga, squats and walking can strengthen muscles that help to stabilize you when you become unbalanced. In addition, having adequate nutrition to nourish the body is important for maintaining body condition and energy levels. Make sure that you are eating plenty of whole, nutritious foods, such as lean proteins, whole grains and seeds, as well as fruits and vegetables. Canada’s Food Guide is a great resource to help keep you on the right track.
- Checkup regularly. Attend regular health appointments to test and treat diminished hearing or vision, and to manage new or chronic health conditions. Write down any changes you may be noticing and share the list with your health care provider at your next visit.
- Sensible sneakers. While high-heels and strappy sandals may look nice, they may not be the most practical footwear option. Select well-fitted, sturdy, low-heeled shoes with rubber soles to maintain traction. Choosing sensible shoes may also help to reduce joint pain.
Taking care of your home and body can allow you to live independently and well. For more information on fall prevention in the home, visit https://bit.ly/fallpreventionathome