11 Apr 4 Things Seniors Need to Consider to Prevent Themselves from Falling
When it comes to preventing falls, older adults have a lot to think about. For one, falls are one of the most common causes of serious injury for seniors. With this mind, you also need to think about ways to prevent falls from taking a serious toll on your life. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of the most effective fall prevention steps for you.
Getting Safe, Regular Exercise
All adults need enough exercise to keep muscles strong and hearts healthy. As a senior, you also need those regular workouts to maintain balance and physical strength that can help you avoid a serious fall. If you have some basic equipment, such as weights and an exercise mat, you can certainly work out at home, but you could end up falling while exercising. A safer bet is to join a local gym so you can work out in a safe, controlled environment. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may even be able to take advantage of Silver Sneakers benefits that will allow you to workout at over 13,000 included gyms across the country. Some Humana Medicare Advantage plans offer Silver Sneakers benefits, so you may want to switch during the next enrollment period. Having access to a fitness center also provides access to group fitness classes that can improve your balance, like yoga.
Taking Better Care of Your Feet
Older adults tend to focus their fall prevention measures on their muscles and bones. While overall physical strength and balance is a good bet for avoiding serious falls, you also need to look after your feet. Research has found that seniors with foot issues have a much higher risk of experiencing a bad fall. Numbness, pain, and deformities can all make it harder to move around safely as you age, so be sure to address any foot problems with your healthcare provider. The link between falls and foot troubles is just one more reason to ditch those high heels and uncomfortable shoes for something more supportive. A decent pair of walking shoes will help keep your feet supported, while also preventing foot problems from worsening.
Making Changes to Your Home
Falls can happen anywhere but seniors tend to fall the most at home. That’s why it’s a good idea for adults who nearing their golden years to properly assess their homes for potential fall hazards. Look for common fall hazards, such as rugs, slippery surfaces, and railing-free stairs. Another cause of falls for older adults living at home is clutter, so it may be a good idea to keep your home tidy or even consider downsizing to make your home more manageable. You can consult a local realtor to see if trading your current home for a smaller one may benefit you, but most seniors find the switch to be a major boost to their quality of life. You can even ask your realtor about more accessible homes that will keep you safe as you age.
Making Changes to Your Diet
Modifying your home to prevent falls makes sense, but you may be wondering how your diet can help too. Research shows that older adults who are considered obese are also more at risk of being injured in a fall. Using your Silver Sneakers gym benefits can make it easier to maintain a healthy weight, but you may also need to work on your diet. If you’re lost when it comes to eating healthier, look online for healthy meal plans and recipes that will make weight loss easier. Building your diet around healthy whole grains, lean sources of protein, and lots of fresh produce will help keep your weight in check, but you are likely to look and feel better too.
For older adults, even a simple tumble can result in broken bones, head injuries, and even death. That’s scary to think about, but what’s not scary are the simple steps you can take to prevent falls and fall-related injuries from impacting your quality of life. It’s never too early to start thinking about fall prevention, so begin using these tips to give yourself peace of mind.
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