5 Easy Steps To Prevent Falls In the Elderly

Protecting our elderly family members and friends is important to all of us, and we want to make sure they stay as safe as possible. Because falls are a leading cause of injury amongst the elderly, it is worth knowing how to help prevent them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every three adults aged 65 or older falls, and 2 million are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries. The consequences of falls can affect the independence and overall health of seniors, but many falls can be avoided. To help you and your loved ones, we've outlined ways to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.

1. Keep vision clear

Older adults should be getting yearly physicals from their doctor, and vision should be included in these exams. Vision is often forgotten about when trying to get around safely. Make sure older adults have the correct glasses or contact prescriptions and that they use them. Any walkers and canes that are needed should be reviewed by a medical professional, who can also demonstrate proper use.

2. Exercise

Coordination, stability, flexibility, balance, and strong muscles and bones are crucial elements for staying steady on your feet. These can all be supported through exercise. Low impact exercise like cycling, walking, swimming, and even practicing tai chi can help prepare an older adult's body. Having strong bones and ligaments can help lessen the effects of a fall if one does happen.

3. Shoes and clothing

Footwear can also play a role in fall prevention. It is recommended that elderly adults wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles. Slippers, high heels, and shoes with slick soles can make tripping or falling more of a risk. Old, stretched out shoes should be thrown away. It's also important to make sure clothing fits well so it doesn't catch on something.

4. Home safety

Another way to reduce the risk of falls is to get the homes of elderly adults ready. Remove anything they may trip over from stairs and other walkways. Use nonslip mats on the floor in the bathroom and in the tub. Install handrails or grab bars where support is needed. It's also a good idea to improve lighting around the house so that older adults can see well in all rooms.

5. Review medications

It's important to have a doctor review all the medications older adults are taking to make sure none of them cause reactions. Some medications don't work well together and could cause a lack of coordination or balance. Other medications could cause drowsiness or dizziness, putting seniors at a higher risk for falls. Talk to their doctor about any other medical conditions your loved one has that could increase their risk of falling. Also, tell the doctor if your loved one has fallen in the past so it can be recorded in their history.

Joint supplements are a non-medicinal option many people use to support joint health and everyday joint comfort. We understand that your senior family members may be taking other medications, which is why an all-natural joint supplement can be a helpful complement to their routine. It's a good idea to also inform their doctor about which joint supplements they are taking. Individual results vary.

Falls are one of the most common types of injuries among the elderly, and many of them can be avoided. There is nothing worse than seeing a loved one take an accidental fall and sustain an injury or worse. Doing what you can to provide the seniors in your life with the safest environment and knowledge on how to avoid falls is just one part of the equation. Joints become more vulnerable as we age, and it's up to us to take care of them.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.