Our bodies naturally change with age and these changes affect the way we feel, move, and behave. A fall can have a devastating and lasting impact on a person, resulting in injury, chronic pain and a reduced quality of life. Even without an injury, a fall can cause an older adult to lose confidence and reduce their activities. The good news is that there are actions you can take to prevent falls.
Key strategies to prevent falls:
- Exercise: challenge your balance and build strength.
- Get enough sleep.
- Take your time: don’t rush when walking or getting up.
- Balance your body through good nutrition and hydration.
- Get your sight and hearing checked regularly.
- Manage your medications and review them regularly with your pharmacist or health care provider as some may make you prone to dizziness and falling.
- Wear well-fitting, sturdy shoes.
- Consider using a cane or other mobility device if needed.
- Maintain proper use of eyeglasses and hearing aids.
In your home
- Make sure you have proper lighting in hallways, stairs and walkways, as well as in the bedroom and bathroom.
- Keep stairs free of clutter and exterior stairs and walkways free of clutter, ice or snow.
- Install hand rails along stairs and safety grab bars in the bathroom.
- Check your home for slipping and tripping hazards, and use non-slip mats or rugs.
- Ensure regularly used items are within reach.
Information on how to assess risk and more:
Cost of falls: Cost of injury – Falls in seniors infographic
Online videos and posters
Parachute partnered with Brittlestar, “The Internet’s Favourite Dad”, to produce a series of short videos featuring Brittlestar and his real-life mom having humorous conversations to convince her to exercise and take other actions that will prevent falls. The videos tell people how to find Parachute’s fall-prevention resources developed as part of our #FallPreventionCanada campaign. This campaign won the Gold award for best short video at the 2022 International Safety Media Awards.
- Brittlestar and his mom: Explaining fall prevention Video
- Brittlestar and his mom: Fall prevention exercises are easy (for some people)Video
- Brittlestar and his mom: Stand for clear floors (or you’ll fall for anything) Video
The posters and checklists will help you understand your fall risk and proven strategies to prevent falls.