Tips For Healthy Living

As we age, the risk of falling can often increase and the damage done by a fall can be much greater and last much longer. It is to our benefit to do all we can to reduce the risk of falling.

First, why are we more likely to fall as we grow older? There are many possible reasons for this and knowing them ca help you avoid a fall.

Many seniors are not as active as they once were resulting in decreased strength and poor muscle tone. If you regularly participate in weight-bearing excercises, you can strenthen and tone your muscles. Now, I don’t necessarily mean lifting weights!! Weight bearing excercises can be as simple as walking. If you add extra weight with ankle or wrist weights you can gain extra benefit. You don’t have to power walk, just walk at a good pace for you and do this regularly. Locally we have seniors groups that have organized walks in the malls during off hours. That way you are walking on an even surface, you are out of the elements and have company.

Another great way to excercise is Tai Chi or related gentle martial art. We have seniors classes here as well and this is a great way to gently gain strength and balance.

If you are taking medications of any kind, check with your health care provider to see if they may cause dizziness or loss of balance.

If your vision is poor you may be at greater risk of falling simply because you cannot clearly see what may be a hazard. Get your eyes checked regulary as cataracts can seek up on you before you know it.

There are things you can do around the home to help as well.
- Don’t leave things lying around that you can trip over
- If you have stairs or steps, make sure you have good, sturdy handrails.
- If you need a step stool to reach items around the home, make sure it has wide steps and, if possible, a handrail.
- Make sure you use a rubber mat in your tub or shower
- Install grab bars in your bathroom next to the toilet and shower
- Either fasten in place (you can double sided carpet tape) or remove small throw rugs that can slip
- Wear shoes with a good non-stick sole

These are some simple things that can make a great deal of difference in the quality of our lives as we age by reducing the chances of falling and suffering serious injury.

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