Tips to Prevent Falls for Seniors
By Sara Butler
As you get older, the systems in your body that work to help you stand upright and stay balanced require a little more effort on your part. You may not hear or see as well as you used to, for example, which can cause issues with coordination. The nerves that communicate information from your central nervous system to your muscles can also slow down, making it more difficult to react swiftly. Add in the fact that muscle strength and flexibility decline with age, and you've got a perfect storm for falls that can have a serious impact on a senior's health.
Fall prevention is vital for people over a certain age. The chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have a few strategies you can use to help prevent falls and stay healthy no matter how old you are.
Check Your Home
One of the easiest things you can do to combat falls in the home is to do a safety check. Most people tend to trip over things on the floor, so makes sure you:
- Secure the edges of rugs
- Reduce clutter on the floor
- Install handrails
- Make sure spaces have enough lighting
- Remove any wires or cords on the floor
- Have rubber mats in the bathtub or shower
- Pick up floor mats when not in use
- Repair any cracks in your walkways outside
- Make sure shrubs and bushes are trimmed along pathways
Exercise
Another great way to help prevent falls is to exercise regularly. Walking, swimming, or other gentle exercises are great for older people to help them improve strength and flexibility. It can also help to make your coordination and balance better, cutting your risk of experiencing a fall.
Think About Medications
Some medications can increase your risk of a fall because they have side effects such as dizziness. Make sure to look over your medications, both prescription and over the counter, to see what the side effects are so you can be careful. If your medications are necessary but make the risk of falling greater, then you may need a walking aid to help you keep balance more effectively.
See the Chiropractor
The chiropractor can help to identify joint restrictions that may be hindering your movements, making your risk of a fall greater. See the chiropractor regularly to help with joint restrictions and also to ensure that your body is functioning optimally.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Austin, Tex.