The older you get, the more likely it is that you will loss your balance and take a fall. In fact, in some research studies by the federal government, one in three adults age 65 and older fall in their homes or on slick conditions outside. When a senior adult fractures a bone, the majority of the time it is due to a fall. Fractures resulting from falls can lead to hospital stays, take longer to heal, and steals your independence. For some people, permanent disability can result and even death.

Hip fractures are the most common and leading injuries for seniors as a result of falls. Osteoporosis often contributes to the injury because the disease causes bones to be less dense and weak, and more easily broken in a fall. Half of all seniors never recover well enough to return to their homes to live independently. That is a shocking number! Many seniors are aware of this statistic and are afraid of falling and decide to limit their activities to reduce their chance of getting injured. But the very thing that you should not do is to be inactive! Exercise and physical activity is one of the best things you can do to build up healthy bones; a eating a proper diet is another.

Talk to Your Doctor about Falling

If you are worried about falling, and you should, talk with your doctor about it. Between the two of you, you can craft a program of physical activities to do that will give you enough exercise while still avoiding possible injuries from a fall. First of all, the doctor might suggest you work with a physical therapist to learn some exercises to work on your balance, strength, endurance and agility. With better balance, your chances of falling decrease.

If you have certain medical conditions, or are taking medication to treat a condition, it may cause problems with your sense of balance which increase the risk of you falling. You and your doctor can evaluate your health and prescriptions to determine if either of them could contribute to you falling. High blood pressure and the medications taken to treat it are common factors that contribute to falls.

Your vision will also be negatively affected as you age; your sight may affect your sense of balance as well as your blood pressure. Have your eyes checked regularly and when you have to get up from a bed or a chair, move slowly. This will keep you from losing your equilibrium and avoid a “spinning” room.

Protect Against Falls

Besides seeking advice from your doctor about your falling fear, there are other things that you can do to lower your risk of falling and getting injured. First of all, check your home for safety hazards like stacks of newspapers or magazines that could tip over and trip you as you walk by. Carpets without rug grips are slippery and are not safe to walk on. Tile floorings are slippery when they are wet. Keep electrical cords safely out of sight as they are tripping hazards that can trip you causing you to fall.

If you need help with your balance or moving around, don’t feel ashamed of buying physical aids that will help you keep from falling. For instance, a cane or even a rolling walker can keep you upright and mobile. Install a bar in the bathtub and shower area and perhaps even a bench. Handrails for steps are handy for seniors too. Install brighter lighting so that you can see where you are going as well as potential obstacles.

On the whole, prevention is the best cure for that fear of falling. If you adopt a healthy lifestyle and practice sensible fall precautions, you should get through your golden years without fracturing any bones.

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