Reduce your risk of falling with these 3 strategies

Did you know – falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults in Canada, and between 20% and 30% of older adults fall each year? While you might think falling is a natural consequence of getting older, it is the result of several age-related factors including loss of muscle strength and balance. The good news is, falls can be prevented by adjusting your home environment, engaging in exercises that promote strength and balance, and being mindful of your foot health. 

 


Modify your home
Many older adults are choosing to stay in their homes for as long as possible; however, many homes have not been designed to accommodate their needs as they age. Making modifications in the home can help you perform daily activities more easily and reduce the risk of falling. Occupational therapists can support with an implementation plan that’s right for you. 

Exercise regularly 
Exercise – alone or in combination with other strategies – can help reduce your chances of falling. Beneficial exercises for older adults living in the community include tai chi, resistance training, and exercises that aim to improve flexibility. 

If regular exercise is not already a part of your weekly routine, adding it in is not only important to your overall physical and mental health, it can also help prevent falls from happening.

Maintain your foot health 

Making sure your feet are in good health is another important factor in preventing falls. Foot issues such as pain, weak muscle strength, poor range of motion in the ankle, and bunions are just a few examples of problems that may contribute to a greater risk of falling. If you’re worried about your foot health, you may want to consider seeing a podiatrist who can assess, diagnose, and treat you, and ultimately help to improve your ability to move safely. 

 


Preventing falls involves looking at many aspects, both physically and environmentally. We have compiled some of our top resources on the subject to help educate, inform, and keep you safe on your feet! 


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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).

Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.