Falls
Overview
Anyone can have a fall, but it's more likely if you're older or have mobility problems. Making changes to prevent falls can help you avoid injuries and keep your confidence and independence.
Causes
Falls are common, particularly in older people. Causes of falls include: muscles getting weaker as you get olderconditions that affect your mobility or balance, such asarthritis,strokeorParkinson's diseaselow blood pressure (hypotension)side effects of some medicinesproblems with your eyesight or hearingdementia
Prevention
If you're at risk of falls, it's important to do things to prevent them, and make a plan in case you do fall. stay active –physical activity guidelines for older adultsrecommend being active every day, and doing activities that improve strength and balance at least twice a week stay active –physical activity guidelines for older adultsrecommend being active every day, and doing activities that improve strength and balance at least twice a week wear shoes or slippers that fit well, do not slip off and have a good grip wear shoes or slippers that fit well, do not slip off and have a good grip wear a personal alarm, or carry a mobile phone with you wear a personal alarm, or carry a mobile phone with you use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower use a non-slip mat in the bath or shower consider fitting safety rails on steps, and grab rails in the bathroom consider fitting safety rails on steps, and grab rails in the bathroom consider using awalking aid consider using awalking aid eat welland stay hydrated – not eating and drinking enough can make you feel lightheaded or faint eat welland stay hydrated – not eating and drinking enough can make you feel lightheaded or faint look after yourbone health– eat foods containing calcium, and make sure you get enough vitamin D look after yourbone health– eat foods containing calcium, and make sure you get enough vitamin D have regular eye tests, and get your ears and hearing checked, as ear problems can affect your balance have regular eye tests, and get your ears and hearing checked, as ear problems can affect your balance speak to a GP or pharmacist if you think your medicines could be affecting your balance speak to a GP or pharmacist if you think your medicines could be affecting your balance do not try to do tasks that you find difficult such as lifting or reaching – ask someone to help you do not try to do tasks that you find difficult such as lifting or reaching – ask someone to help you do not have too much clutter at home, or things you could trip on such as loose wires or rugs do not have too much clutter at home, or things you could trip on such as loose wires or rugs do not drink too much alcohol do not drink too much alcohol