If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

People fall at every age. This is especially true of young babies learning to walk. However, as we age, we become more concerned about falling. A fall at an older age can have serious consequences to your health and independence.

Path to improved safety

In addition to age, certain medical conditions put you at risk, including arthritis, cataracts, and hip problems. Diseases, such Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) also can affect your mobility and increase your fall risk.

Reduce your risk for falling by following these tips:

• Exercise regularly to keep your body, muscles, and bones healthy and strong. Exercise should focus on balance training and resistance training.
• Make sure that you have good lighting in your home. A well-lit home will help you avoid tripping over objects that are not easy to see. Make sure your bedroom, hallways, stairs, and bathrooms are well lit.
• Rugs should be firmly fastened to the floor or have non-skid backing. Loose ends should be tacked down.
• Electrical cords should not be lying on the floor in walking areas.
• Put hand rails in your bathroom for bath, shower and toilet use.
• Have rails on both sides of your stairs for support.
• In the kitchen, make sure items are within easy reach. Don’t store things too high or too low. Then you won’t have to use a stepladder or a stool to reach them. It’s also a good idea to avoid storing things too low, so you won’t have to bend down to get them.
• Wear shoes with firm non-skid soles. Avoid wearing loose-fitting slippers that could cause you to trip.
• Get regular eye exams.
• Keep your feet healthy, especially if you have diabetes.
• Keep your feet healthy, especially if you have diabetes.
• Use a cane or walker if your doctor recommends it.
• Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol.
• Ease in and out of bed. Sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes with your feet on the ground before you stand. Getting up too quickly can cause dizziness.
• Don’t go outside in icy conditions. If you must go out, plan by having someone walk with you, treat the conditions with anti-icing materials, or have your walkways shoveled.

Things to consider

• Broken bones. Our bones become more brittle as we age. Broken bones take longer to heal as we age. Other breaks, such as hip fractures in the elderly, have been linked to health decline. This health decline can result in death in as soon as 6 months after the fall. Additionally, you lose your ability to be independent when you can’t walk.
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is a serious injury to your brain. It can happen if you fall and hit your head on an object or on the floor.

Cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that affect a person’s cognitive ability can increase the risk of falls.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Public Health Agency of Canada

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/you-prevent-falls.html