Falls Prevention

Fear of falling can contribute to less activity, which reduces strength and balance and increases the chances of falling. Both fears of falling and actual falling are preventable. Most falls prevention programs use a combination of exercise and education. Additionally, physical therapists can help with falls prevention.
Also see Home Health Care, Hospitals and Medical Centers, Rehabilitation Services, and Recreation, including Exercise.

The National Institute on Aging has published simple ways to prevent falling. This is the advice: Stay physically active because regular exercise makes people stronger, especially weight-bearing exercises such as walking or climbing stairs as well as lower body strength exercises and balance exercises. The National Institute on Health also suggests:

• Having vision and hearing tested often and wearing glasses and hearing aids, as needed.
• Investigate the side-effects of medicines. Let your doctor know if a drug makes you sleepy or dizzy.
• Get enough sleep.
• Limit alcohol since it affects balance and reflexes.
• Stand slowly after eating, lying down, or sitting since quick standing can drop blood pressure and make people feel faint.
• Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes/slippers that fully support your feet.