For many seniors, preventing a fall can add years to their lives. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults in the United States. In fact, one out of every four Americans aged 65 or older falls each year. Falls can cause serious injuries like hip fractures and head trauma and can even lead to death. Fortunately, there are things that seniors can do to decrease their risk of falling.
Many people believe that falls are something that will happen to everyone as they age, and there is nothing they can do about it. However, this is purely a myth; in reality, falls are controllable and preventable.
Advertisement
There are many different factors that can contribute to falls. Some of these include:
- Muscle weakness
- Poor balance
- Use of assistive devices like canes or walkers
- Medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness
- Tripping hazards in the home
- Poor lighting
- Loose carpets or throw rugs
Now that we know some of the main causes of falls, let’s talk about what we can do to prevent them. The first step in helping to prevent a fall is getting an assessment from your primary care provider. They can provide a list of possible issues contributing to falling risks, including medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness, foot pain, arthritis, and vision problems.
Getting regular exercise is also an excellent way to help prevent falls. This can help to improve your strength and balance. Tai Chi has been shown to help prevent falls by improving balance, strength, mobility, and flexibility while also improving mental health. If Tai Chi isn’t for you, many other exercise programs are available, so talk to your doctor or physical therapist about which one is right for you.
Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Poor vision can make it more difficult to see obstacles in your path, increasing your risk of falling. If your vision is poor, creating a safer home environment is essential.
Make sure your home is well-lit and free from trip hazards. Consider installing night lights in hallways and bedrooms so you don’t have to turn on overhead lights when getting up during the night. Also, be sure to secure loose cords and rugs with tape or tacks, so they don’t pose a tripping hazard. Also, consider installing grab bars in tubs and next to toilets.
Advertisement
Falls are a serious problem for older adults in America, but there are things that seniors can do to reduce their risk of falling. Seniors can significantly lower their risk of sustaining a fall-related injury by exercising regularly, having annual eye exams, making sure their homes are well-lit and free from trip hazards, and reviewing their medications with their doctor. If you or someone you know has already had a fall, don’t hesitate to ask for help getting up; it could prevent further injury.
Supporting Joints, Bones, and General Health
As you age, your joints may require support to help them stay strong, flexible, and healthy. Healthy Joints contains multiple ingredients to help support and improve joint health. The primary ingredient in Health Joints is AprèsFlex®, an extract from Boswellia, which has been found in studies to provide rapid support for joint health and mobility. This unique formula also contains glucosamine and chondroitin, which contain compounds that are some of the building blocks of healthy joints.
Supporting bone health is also essential as you age to help keep them strong in case of falls. Bone Rescue can help to support the maintenance and development of bones thanks to its unique formula, including strontium. Chemically similar to calcium, strontium can provide great support for aging bones. Bone Rescue contains 680 mg of strontium along with additional ingredients to help keep bones strong and healthy.