Anyone can fall, but some people have a higher risk of falling than others. One of the factors that increases that risk is getting older. In fact, in Canada, about 20% to 30% of people aged 65 years and older experience a fall each year. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) reports that about 85% of all injury-related hospitalizations for older adults are due to falls, some of which are fatal.As we age, we have a higher risk of falling for a number of reasons:Older people tend to have more problems with balance and muscle weakness than younger people do.Many health conditions linked to aging and falls include dementia, heart disease, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, numbness in the legs or feet, and vision problems.Seniors are more likely to be taking medications that can have an impact on their thinking, make them drowsy or confused, affect their vision or balance, or cause dizziness.While not all falls cause serious injuries, it is important to remember that some do and to take precautions to prevent them. Among the problems falls can cause are cuts and bruises, sprains, pulled muscles, broken bones, like hip, ankles and wrists, or head injury.PREVENTIONThere are several precautions that can be taken to reduce your risk of falling. The first step is to discuss the medicines you take with your doctor or London Drugs pharmacist. Ask them if your medications have side effects that could increase your risk of falling. It may be possible to reduce your risks by adjusting doses, changing medications, rearranging what time you take them, or switching to other medications with less risks of drowsiness or dizziness.Eating at regular intervals and nutritious foods is is another way to help safeguard your overall health, which, in turn, will help you stay strong and make it less likely that you will fall. Fluctuations in blood sugar (high or low) can also make you unsteady on your feet. Talk to your doctor about testing.Another important step is to be physically active. There are exercises especially designed to help improve strength, balance, and the ability to walk steadily. Before starting any new exercise program see your doctor for an evaluation. If appropriate, the doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist who can develop a program to meet your personal needs.The next step is to look around your home and identify potential situations that could cause you to trip and fall. Then make any necessary changes to reduce your risk. Here are some suggestions that can help:Keep boxes, newspapers, electrical and phone cords, and other tripping hazards out of walkways.Keep high traffic areas clear of things such as small tables, plant stands, and magazine racks.Make sure rugs are secured to the floor.Insall sturdy handrails on stairways, and use them every time you go up or down.Store necessities where they are easy to reach so you won’t have to climb up or get into an awkward position to access hem.Keep your floors dry. Clean up any spills immediately.Place non-slip mats in your bathtub or shower, and a bath mat to avoid drips on the bathroom floor.When you are outside, try to walk in well-lit areas, use handrails where available and avoid rushing. Be especially careful when stepping over curbs or when walking on uneven surfaces.Other things you can do to help protect yourself include:Wear low-heeled shoes that provide proper support.Get regular eye exams to ensure that your vision is sharp so you won’t trip over things you don’t see clearly.ASSISTIVE DEVICESThere are a group of products called assistive devices that can help prevent falls and injuries. Here are some examples of the types of devices that are available and how they can help:Assistive devices such as canes, crutches, and walkers can provide support and improve balance.A bath seat and a handheld shower nozzle can allow you to sit while showering.Safety grab bars and raised toilet seats can make it easier to get in and out of a tub and onto and off a toilet without falling.Hip protectors can be worn to protect the hip bone from injury in the event of a fall.There are also devices that can extend your reach and have “claws” at the end to help you grasp something that you can’t reach by yourself.Fall detection devices, smart watches or phones can be worn to automatically dial for emergency help if a fall is detected, preventing a minor injury from becoming more serious.London Drugs carries a wide range of assistive devices, and your pharmacists can help you decide which ones would be right for you and how to use them properly.Related
