Fall Prevention Strategies for Older Adults
Nationwide, falls are the leading cause of death from injury among older adults and the No. 1 cause of nonfatal injuries among aging seniors. But falls are “not a normal part of growing older,” said Susan Neff, a supervisor at the Pennsylvania Department of Aging who leads a Falls Prevention Coalition. “Most falls can be prevented.”
Fall prevention can be as simple as removing clutter and tripping hazards, wearing proper footwear, using mobility devices correctly, and doing basic strength and balance exercises, according to Ankur Patel, MD, MBA, a geriatrician and president of Inspira Health LIFE, in New Jersey, which regularly conducts home evaluations and assessments to help people make adjustments to their living environment.
While vision issues also can be a culprit, elevated risks for falls go beyond an aging body, he said. Some medications for chronic disease can affect balance and alertness and increase the chance of injury.