Fall and injury prevention

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Injuries can have significant consequences for healthy aging. Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults. More than 95 per cent of hip fractures are caused by falling. The good news? Falls can be prevented. Evaluate your risk factors and try strength and balance exercises. Find out more about the latest research below.f

Steady on your feet: New ways to improve balance and avoid falls

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Stop the spinning: Exercises and manoeuvers that help with vertigo

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Avoid falls with these 3 simple tips

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74 Show All 15Blog Posts 36Evidence Summaries 23Web Resource Ratings 0Patient Decision Aids

Evidence Summary

Exercise alone, and in combination with different fall prevention strategies may lower the risk of falls leading to injuries in older adults 65 and over
JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association (2017)
Evidence Summary

Fall-prevention strategies based on individual patient needs may be better at reducing falls in acute-care settings
JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports (2017)
Evidence Summary

Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2012)
Evidence Summary

Older people with mental health issues should be offered strategies with several components to help reduce their risk of falling
BMC Nursing (2014)
Evidence Summary

Fall prevention exercise programs reduce falls and prevent injuries in older community dwelling people.
BMJ (2013)
Evidence Summary

Interventions for preventing falls in older people in care facilities and hospitals.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2018)
Evidence Summary

Exercise helps to prevent falls in older people living in the community
JAMA (2018)
Evidence Summary

In people over 50 who live in the community, vitamin D or calcium supplements, alone or combined, do not prevent fractures
JAMA (2017)
Evidence Summary

Providing rehabilitation tailored to older adults with hip fracture improves their recovery after surgery
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (2015)
Web Resource Rating

Too fit to fracture: Managing osteoporosis through exercise
Osteoporosis Canada

If you have osteoporosis, it is recommended to exercise regularly. A physical therapist or kinesiologist can give you advice on what type of exercise is best for you. You should do a combination of strength, posture, balance, and aerobic exercise.
Evidence Summary

Tai Chi reduces falls in older people and people who are at higher risk of falling
J Am Geriatr Soc (2017)
Evidence Summary

Home-based occupational therapy can improve physical functioning in older adults with declining health
Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy (2016)
Evidence Summary

Falls-prevention exercise programs reduce falls in older adults living in care facilities
Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing (2017)
Web Resource Rating

Improving housing to improve health - warmth and space are key
Evidently Cochrane

Poor housing is associated with poor health. Research shows cold, damp and overcrowded homes can have a negative impact on your respiratory health.
Evidence Summary

Exercise improves balance, lower limb strength and gait in older adults with diabetes
Journal of Diabetes and Its Complications (2016)
Evidence Summary

Exercise can prevent falls in older people
Br J Sports Med (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Evidently Advent - Fear of falling
Evidently Cochrane

Try exercise (such as Tai Chi) and home safety changes to help prevent falling. Exercise may have small benefits for improving fear of falling. Resource includes a video.
Evidence Summary

In people over 50 years of age, calcium supplements have a small effect on preventing fractures
BMJ (2015)
Evidence Summary

Lower limb muscle strengthening exercises can reduce the risk of falls in older adults.
Brazilian journal of physical therapy (2014)
Evidence Summary

Personalized home-based exercise programs improve strength, balance and lower risk of falls
Maturitas (2015)
Evidence Summary

Pilates is a promising way to improve balance in older adults
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2015)
Evidence Summary

Balance-recovery training may lower risk of falls for older adults and people with Parkinson’s disease
Physical Therapy (2015)
Evidence Summary

Exercise helps prevent falls in older adults with cognitive impairment
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2015)
Evidence Summary

Exercise programs help prevent falls but not broken bones among older adults in long-term care facilities
Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (2013)
Evidence Summary

Wii-based exercise programs help to improve balance of older adults
Clinical Interventions in Aging (2014)
Evidence Summary

Older adults’ use of fall detection and prevention technology can be improved by enhancing usability, independence and safety
International Journal of Medical Informatics (2014)
Evidence Summary

Elastic resistance training is effective for improving muscle strength in older adults
Archives of Gerontology & Geriatrics (2013)
Evidence Summary

In people who have knee osteoarthritis, physical therapy improves balance and reduces risk of falls
Age Ageing (2014)
Evidence Summary

Older adults with dementia and their caregivers should be engaged in care decisions to improve the adoption of effective falls prevention strategies
Gerontologist (2013)
Evidence Summary

Physical exercise interventions may improve walking speed and physical functioning measures in frail older adults
Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (2014)
Evidence Summary

Stopping psychotropic medications can reduce falls and improve cognition
Age Ageing (2014)
Evidence Summary

Multicomponent exercise training improves physical functioning in frail older adults
Rejuvenation Research (2013)
Web Resource Rating

Dementia and falls
Canadian Institute for Health Information

Older adults with dementia have a higher risk of falls compared to other older adults. People with dementia are more likely to fall because of problems with mobility, balance and strength. Safety programs are available to help lower the amount of falls in older adults.
Web Resource Rating

Falls in older people
Informed Health Online

Falls are caused by things like hazards in your home, health problems, or medications. To prevent falls, make sure that your home is safe. It may also help to exercise, use walking aids, or get new glasses. Talk to your doctor to learn what is best for you.
Web Resource Rating

What older people can do to prevent falls
Informed Health Online

Falls have serious consequences on older adults’ health. An exercise program could help strengthen your muscles and improve balance to prevent falls. Stopping certain medications could also help. Talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
Evidence Summary

Cognitive-behavioural therapy can reduce fear of falling
Age Ageing (2018)
Web Resource Rating

How to prevent fractures if you have osteoporosis
WebMD

Prevent slips and falls to avoid broken bones, especially if you have osteoporosis. This resource includes a slide show of falls prevention tips, including: exercise, install good lighting, wear slip-resistant shoes, clear away clutter, use safety devices, limit your alcohol, and talk to your doctor about your medications.
Web Resource Rating

The evidence on hands-free cell phone devices while driving
Evidence-based Living

Research shows that talking on hands free phone devices while driving is just as dangerous as talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel. The act of having a conversation distracts the driver and increase the chances of being involved in an accident that may result in serious injury or death.
Web Resource Rating

Balance problems
Mayo Clinic

Balance problems can cause you to feel dizzy or light-headed. The most common balance problems are caused by issues with the inner ear. Balance retraining exercises, repositioning maneuvers, diet changes or medications may help. Surgery may be recommended for some people.
Web Resource Rating

Canalith repositioning
Mayo Clinic

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a problem in the inner ear that can cause you to feel dizzy. Canalith repositioning can help with BPPV. This resource includes pictures of how to do this manoeuver.
Web Resource Rating

Epley maneuver
Medline Plus

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a problem in the inner ear that can cause you to feel dizzy. The Epley manoeuver - done by a health professional - can help with BPPV.
Web Resource Rating

Slide show: Balance exercises
Mayo Clinic

Balance exercises are important to prevent falls as you age. There are many activities that can improve your balance, even walking helps! This website shows different exercises that you can try.
Web Resource Rating

Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls
Mayo Clinic

Stay physically active and wear proper footwear to prevent falls. Good lighting and assistive devices can also help prevent falls. This resource includes questions to ask your doctor if you are concerned about falling.
Evidence Summary

Fall-prevention programs that specifically target at-risk nursing home residents may prove most effective in reducing the prevalence of falls
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2015)
Evidence Summary

Fall-prevention education delivered during or after hospitalization can be an effective means of reducing falls among older adults
Health Education Journal (2013)
Web Resource Rating

Exercise has been shown to reduce falls and home safety interventions seem to reduce falls in the over 65s
Evidently Cochrane

Research has shown that exercise can help to reduce falls. Making sure your home is safe can also help reduce falls in older adults.
Web Resource Rating

Hip protectors: Can they help break your fall and not your hip?
Evidently Cochrane

Hip protectors might help prevent hip fractures for older people living in care homes, but the evidence is not strong. This resource includes links to more information about how to reduce risk of falls.
Web Resource Rating

How best to prevent falls in older people in care homes and hospital remains unclear despite a large body of evidence
Evidently Cochrane

Vitamin D supplements can help reduce falls for people who live in care homes.
Evidence Summary

Dedicated osteoporosis health professionals can effectively screen and treat outpatients with acute low trauma fractures
Archives of Osteoporosis (2014)
Evidence Summary

Collaborative care provided by geriatricians and surgeons to older adults with hip fracture reduces risk of death and time in hospital
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma (2014)
Evidence Summary

Review of programs to reduce in-hospital falls in U.S. acute care hospitals shows that some programs are beneficial but reporting is poor
J Am Geriatr Soc (2013)
Web Resource Rating

Tai Chi and bones
Berkeley Wellness

Practice Tai Chi to improve balance, coordination, stability and to lower your risk of falls. More research is needed to measure whether Tai Chi improves bone strength.
Web Resource Rating

Aging well with post-polio syndrome: Don't let fall prevention fall through the cracks
Healthy Aging & Physical Disability (RRTC)

Exercises can help prevent falls among people with post-polio syndrome. Wear rubber-soled shoes, increase your home safety, carry your phone with you when on walks, and talk to your doctor about exercises to increase your strength and balance.
Web Resource Rating

Preventing falls in older adults: Topic overview
Health Link B.C.

Make small changes in your lifestyle and house to lower your risk of falls. Have regular hearing and vision checkups. This resource includes tips to prevent falls.
Web Resource Rating

Keeping your balance as you age
Berkeley Wellness

Improve your balance to lower your chances of falling. Try a balance board or exercise balls, practice tai chi, or jump on a mini-trampoline. Exercise, including walking, will also help.
Web Resource Rating

What are ways to prevent falls and related fractures?
Medline Plus

Use non-slip surfaces, exercise regularly, modify your home and use assistive devices (e.g. canes) to help prevent falls. Calcium and vitamin D can help keep your bones healthy.
Web Resource Rating

Senior-friendly home additions to help adults age in place
Aging Care

Make your home safer and prevent falls. Bathrooms, doorways, kitchens and stairwells are high risk areas for older adults. Get a professional to install a walk in shower, add hand rails and grab bars, and use non-skid strips on the floor. Consider a stair lift or home elevator. Make sure your door knobs and light switches are easy to reach.
Web Resource Rating

How to prevent falls
WebMD

Prevent falls by changing your surroundings, both indoors and outdoors. Use a cane, wear supportive shoes, remove clutter, and make sure floors and surfaces are not slippery. Get regular exercise and talk to your doctor about taking a calcium or vitamin D supplement to reduce the risk of breaking a bone if you do fall.
Blog Post

Watch your step! Fall prevention for seniors living in the community

For seniors still living at home, falls are a concern. Fortunately, exercise alone or in combination with other fall prevention strategies can help keep one’s feet firmly planted on the ground.
Blog Post

Past-menopause? Exercise your way to better bone health

For women, menopause is an inevitable part of aging, as is bone loss to some extent. But there are things you can do to improve or preserve your bone density and slow down bone loss. Surprise... it’s exercise!
Blog Post

Feeling unsteady? Exercise can help prevent falls in long-term care

Feeling off-balance? Stand up to falls with exercise. Exercise combined with other fall prevention strategies is a promising way to lower the rate of falls in older adults living in long-term care.
Blog Post

The research based benefits of music for walking

Walking speed reveals a lot about your overall health and walking ability changes with age. Research shows that music can help!
Blog Post

Worried about breaking a bone? 5 tips you should know before it happens

Breaking up may be hard to do, but breaking a bone is easy – especially as we age. Get tips on how to protect yourself.
Blog Post

3 research-based benefits of yoga for healthy aging

Want to age well? Consider making yoga part of your regular activities.
Blog Post

Avoid falls with these 3 simple tips

Many older adults experience a fall as they get older. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Here are three evidence-based tips to lower your falls risk and promote healthy aging.
Blog Post

Stop the spinning: Exercises and manoeuvers that help with vertigo

Whether or not you’re a fan of amusement parks, no one likes to feel like they’re on a never-ending Tilt-a-Whirl ride! Can exercises and manoeuvers help relieve symptoms of vertigo?
Blog Post

5 tips to stay healthy at home

Research-based recommendations to stay in your home and community safely, independently and comfortably for as long as possible.
Blog Post

Build strength to age well! The benefits of progressive resistance training

Evidence shows this type of strength training helps improve leg strength and walking speed.
Blog Post

There's an app for that! Using technology to promote healthy aging

Activity trackers, monitors, computer applications, wearables.... there are plenty of options and some can be pricey. Before you spend the money, find out which health gadgets are a good investment in your health and well-being.
Blog Post

Steady on your feet: New ways to improve balance and avoid falls

Building and maintaining your balance help reduce the risk of falling. The latest evidence measures the balance benefits of Pilates and balance-recovery training.
Blog Post

Wii-based exercise programs for seniors – not your grandkids’ Nintendo

“Exergames” using virtual reality technology such as Nintendo’s Wii Fit system are popular, fun and can help you exercise from your living room. New research shows that they can also help promote better balance in older adults - an important way to help reduce the risk of falls.
Blog Post

When it might be wise to stop taking certain medications

Certain drugs can increase risk for falls or confusion in older adults. Regularly review your medication with your doctor to reduce these risks.
Blog Post

Broken hip? Home-based rehabilitation may help get you moving again

Rehabilitation programs to improve mobility, function, balance and strength help patients recover faster and avoid long-term disability after hip surgery.
Evidence Summary

Fall-prevention strategies that include multiple components are effective at reducing fall rates and the total number of falls among older adults

BMC Geriatrics (2014)

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