Fall and fall-related injuries are common, with about one-third of older adults experiencing at least one fall each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that falls are the most common cause of injury and hospital admission for trauma among older Americans, and older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than for injuries of all other causes. Fall injuries such as hip fractures or head injuries can lead to declines in mobility and other activities of daily living.
The risk of falling increases with age, but by making some changes and following precautions, the chances of injury can be lowered. The CDC recommends the following to prevent falls:
- Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risks and prevention. Tell a provider right away if you fall, worry about falling, or feel unsteady. Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take, even over-the-counter medicines. As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and can cause you to fall. Ask your provider about taking vitamin D supplements to improve bone, muscle, and nerve health. Talk to your doctor about fall prevention.
- Exercise to improve your balance and strength. Exercises that improve balance and make your legs stronger lower your chances of falling. It also helps you feel better and more confident. An example of this kind of exercise is Tai Chi. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
- Once a year, check with your eye doctor, and update your eyeglasses, if needed. You may have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. Also, have your healthcare provider check your feet once a year. Discuss proper footwear and ask whether seeing a foot specialist is advised.
- Make your home safer.
- Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
- Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
- Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
- Have grab bars put in next to and inside the tub, and next to the toilet.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Hang light-weight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
- Have handrails and lights installed on all staircases.
- Wear well-fitting shoes with good support inside and outside the house.
Each season poses challenges in preventing falls. During the hot summer days, excessive heat can lead to dehydration, which leads to dizziness and disorientation. When older people are dehydrated, they are especially susceptible to falls. Prevent overheating by drinking plenty of liquids and staying in cooled areas during the hottest part of the day. Summer storms can also result in a variety of slipping and tripping hazards, including falling over debris and falling in darkened areas after power outages.
Learn about the risk factors and follow the strategies to lower risk. This will help save the pain and suffering caused by fall injuries.
For more information, visit the fall prevention resources linked below from ADPH Injury Prevention.
Fall Prevention Resources
Scott Harris, M.D., M.P.H.
State Health Officer