Safety Tips for National Fall Prevention Awareness Month

At one point or another, we’ve all fallen. And while some falls can be innocuous, falling becomes more of a health and safety concern as we get older. During National Fall Prevention Awareness Month, we want to discuss fall-related injuries and offer safety tips to protect yourself or a loved one against falls this month and beyond.

Statistics on Falls for Seniors

More than 25 percent of adults aged 65 and older fall every year. And because bones and muscles become weaker with age, the risk of injury associated with falling is more severe for seniors. Falling is also attributed to other physical and health factors such as:

Conditions like diabetes, neuropathy, arthritis, or dementia that affect coordination, mobility, and sensation
Vision loss that causes poor depth perception
Blood pressure issues, causing dizziness upon standing
Loss of balance and/or slowed reflexes

Across the globe, falls are the second-leading cause of death from unintentional injury. And the greatest number of fatal falls are suffered by older adults, according to the World Health Organization. Statistics from 2021 showed that falls for seniors accounted for more than 38,000 deaths and 3 million visits to the emergency room in one year.

Falling, especially for seniors, can cause broken bones and hips as well as spinal, soft tissue, and head injuries, which range from mild to severe. From concussions to contusions to traumatic brain injuries, recovery times are often lengthy, leading to unfamiliar lifestyle changes and loss of independence.

And just one fall can have a lasting impact, from chronic pain after an injury to fear of falling again. That pain and fear can be severe enough to prevent people from moving at all—out of anticipation of falling again, which leads to issues with muscle atrophy and weakness and presents greater danger of falling more easily.

Fall Prevention for Seniors

While it’s clear that falls, particularly for seniors, can be frightening and life altering, the good news is that many of them can be prevented. All it takes is active awareness and the willingness to embrace and/or maintain healthful routines.

Some lifestyle modifications that can help seniors prevent falls include:

Becoming or staying active. Regular movement promotes balance, keeps joints flexible, and strengthens bones and muscles. All of that combined does more than minimize the risk of falling. It also decreases the likelihood of serious injury in the event of a fall.

Being aware of surroundings. Watch for things like uneven or damaged surfaces, spills, and other obstacles that create hazards and potential risks for tripping and falling. Keep high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs free of shoes, cords, and other clutter.

Wearing proper shoes. Whether indoors or outdoors, having the right kind of shoes on your feet helps reduce the risk of falling. Avoid footwear with worn-out or slippery soles, high-heeled shoes, or shoes that are too big or otherwise don’t fit.

Scheduling regular eye and ear exams. This goes back to being aware of surroundings, which starts by being able to see and hear the things happening around you. Healthy vision allows for better judgment of distance and the ability to spot (and avoid) possible hazards while hearing controls balance and spatial awareness to help prevent falls.

Installing safety features. Adding grab bars in bathrooms and showers or railings in stairwells provides extra support in places where falls are common.

Checking side effects of medications. Prescription medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness increase the risk of falling. Consult with your doctor about concerns if you have any.

Paying attention. Just as it’s important for drivers to pay attention behind the wheel, the same is true for taking a leisurely stroll. Avoid looking at phones or other distractions while walking to better protect against trips and falls.

Senior Safety & Fall Prevention at Southview

We hope these safety tips offer helpful ideas to consider during National Fall Prevention Awareness Month and beyond. In our Southview Senior Communities, we do our part to keep residents safe, happy, and engaged. Here, seniors enjoy everything from a variety of regular exercise classes and activities that encourage movement to courtesy shuttles to and from appointments for maintaining overall wellness.

To learn more, schedule a tour at the Southview location nearest you.