Thirty percent of people 65 and older will take a tumble that requires medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Barbara Messinger-Rapport, a geriatric specialist at Cleveland Clinic, says seniors can reduce or eliminate their risk for a fall by taking these key steps:
- Examine diet and medications. Warm foods and alcohol dilate blood vessels, which can lead to dizziness when standing. Sleep aids, antidepressants and pain medications can also increase the likelihood of a fall.
- Get a vision exam. Poor vision, cataracts and glaucoma increase the chances of falling.
- Check foot gear. Shoes should fit snugly and have a sturdy, nonskid sole and a broad, low heel.
- Be aware of personal balance and stability, and take steps to improve them. Consider installing handrails along stairs or in the bathroom. When shopping, use a shopping cart for support. When getting out of a chair, push off with the chair’s arm rests. In the kitchen and bathroom, don’t place much-used items on high shelves.
- Participate in a physician-approved exercise program to build and maintain muscle strength and improve balance and coordination. Programs that use ankle weights or stretch bands are excellent for muscle-strengthening. Water aerobics programs and low-impact Tai Chi programs have also been shown to improve balance and coordination.
- Increase vitamin D intake. Vitamin D improves muscle strength and increases the amount of calcium the body is able to absorb and deposit in bones. "Thus, it strengthens muscle and bone, reducing risk of fall and fracture," says Dr. Messinger-Rapport.
And finally, stresses Dr. Messinger-Rapport, "Prepare for the future. Rent a life-line button so that you can activate emergency assistance without the telephone."
WEB EXTRA! Osteoporosis – Do you know if you’re at risk for a potentially debilitating bone disease? The National Institutes of Health estimate that 10 million people suffer from osteoporosis. Cleveland Clinic researchers say some doctors miss some of the secondary causes for this condition. View the video below.
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To read more about this and related topics, see: Aging: Falls and Fractures, Falls and Balances
This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 9/1/2007.
