Skip to main content

Fall Prevention Tips for the Elderly

Fall Prevention Tips for the Elderly

Fall Prevention Tips for the Elderly 

By: Brandi Kinard, PTA 

Bowie Location 

Falls are the number one fatal and nonfatal cause of injury within the age population of 65 years old and older. The most common injuries from falls are fractures and head injuries. A few factors contributing to falls include balance and gait, medications, vision, and the environment.  

Here are a few tips to prevent falls: 

  1. Get more exercise. Regular exercise helps to promote strong muscles and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Focus on strength, balance, and flexibility exercises.  
  1. Sustain a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods can help to keep bones strong. It is also beneficial to have sufficient Vitamin D and Calcium intake. Avoid items such as alcohol and cigarettes, which can decrease bone mass. 
  1. Be mindful of medication side effects. Some medications and instances of being over-medicated can cause dizziness or low blood pressure, placing one at risk of falling. 
  1. Vision plays a large part in balance. Normal eyesight aging results in less light reaching the retina. This makes it more challenging to see obstacles, tripping hazards, and corners of furniture. 
  1. Modify the environment. Remove tripping hazards such as rugs, plants, and any other items that may be sitting on the floor. Use or install handrails for safety along the stairs and in the shower, tub, or surrounding the toilet. Utilize shower chairs as needed. Increase light visibility throughout the home, especially during the darker nighttime hours. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Plantar Fasciitis: Guide To Home Remedy And Pain Relief

Plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes sharp pain in the heel or bottom of the foot, is a really painful and very common condition. But the good news is that with the right guidance and consistency, you can effectively manage this discomfort from home.

What is FMS or Functional Movement Screen 

Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a series of tests that looks at movement patterns, range of motion, balance and stability that may be necessary for recreational and sporting activities.

Having The Perfect Squat

Let's be real! We all want that perfect squat that gives us quads for days and our booties nice and round! But it always causes us pain in our lower back and knees!  Well, let's talk about FORM!

Caring For Your Young Athlete

Summer has been a time of the year when we see a surge in young athletes in our physical therapy clinic. We are seeing teens involved in a variety of sports including athletics, football, basketball, swimming, golf, soccer, and more.

Dealing With Morning Joint Stiffness

Have you ever woken up feeling like your body is as stiff as a board? This is called morning joint stiffness. I’m going to teach you some simple stretching and exercises to do as soon as you get up in the morning that can help with this stiffness and ma