Preventing Falls
Falls are really common in people who are 65 or older. The risk for falls rises steadily every five years after age 65. By taking care of your overall health, you can lower your chances of falling. Take the steps below to prevent falls before they happen.
Prevent falls at home
To help make your home safe for you and those around you, learn about hazards present in every home:
Keep your bones healthy
When you get the right amount of calcium and Vitamin D every day you’ll have stronger bones. Since most diets do not provide enough calcium or vitamin D, we suggest that most adults take at least a 500-600 mg daily calcium supplement and a 1,000 IU daily vitamin D supplement.
| Amount needed every day for: | Calcium (mg) | Vitamin D* (IU) |
| Adults 19 – 49 (non-pregnant women) | 1,000 | 1,000 to 2,000 |
| Adults over 50 | 1,200 | 1,000 to 2,000 |
*Preferably D3
Stay as physically active as you can
Aim for 150 minutes of physical activity a week. That breaks down to 30 minutes of physical activity on all or most days of the week to keep your bones and muscles strong, and your joints flexible.
Exercise – A good move for your health
Build your balance and strength
Good balance and coordination will help you prevent fails. Try these simple exercises to improve your balance. Our Health Education department has many resources and that help you learn more about fall prevention and balance.
Review your medications
Some prescription and over-the-counter medications or a combination of them can make you sleepy or dizzy. This could make you more likely to fall. Discuss your medications with your health care providers at your next visit.
Have your vision checked
Small changes in your vision can make you less stable. Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. Find more information at Vision Essentials.
Have your hearing checked
Changes in your hearing can also put you at higher risk for a fall. Find more information through our Audiology department .
Consider aids to keep you stable
Use a cane, walking stick, or walker,to help you feel steadier when you walk. This is very important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know well or when you are in places where the walkways are uneven. And be very careful when walking on wet or icy surfaces. They can be very slippery!
