Tips for Avoiding Falls as one ages
It is well known that as you age the likelihood of having a fall increases a lot - but many of the reasons for this are common. This is the area that we are focussing on today. Clearly traumatic events can also cause falls eg a brain bleed.
Fortunately, taking small steps to living in a better environment makes a big difference to the statistics.
Staying active and strong, especially for our muscles and balance has you begin this journey. Doing strength building exercises - even housework! - can help to maintain muscle and bone strength over time. The trick is to be CONSISTENT. If in doubt - ask Gayle for more info / or book in for a 1-2-1/
Eat well! I know I harp on about this but it all begins here really. It is amazing how many are malnourished as far as the body’s internal environment is concerned - and it effects everything! Don’t just guess and hope - you are worth more than that. Get some expert help to ensure you are eating what is necessary, in a balance with what you need for your life, and can be absorbed. Gayle can help..
Keep hydrated! If you “run dry” you will lose mental clarity and focus - and your balance will reduce, amongst other issues. Really - it is VITAL.
If you cannot see obstacles in your way clearly - from having blurred vision, not wearing your glasses and also not using your peripheral vision means you meet more objects!… there is a natural inclination to bump into things as a result.
Get a vision test (and hearing test) at the same time.
This may seem less obvious but we also use our sense of hearing and almost unheard echoes as a way of knowing where we are in space. Do hearing clarity is also important to take action on.
If there are combined your vision and hearing issues together it can make a huge impact on your balance, confidence and sense of knowing and security. Get these assessed regularly and accurately.
There are a range of often common medications which can have you be less aware - causing dizziness or be unaware of your surroundings fully. Even altered emotional states eg depression (and the medications for this!) can lead to more falls. Sometimes a different one can help reduce these side-effects which are less commonly considered.
Strong bones mean that in addition to good balance - you are far less likely to break a hip or wrist if you do fall. Diet plays a role here, along with exposure to sunlight - for Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium levels which all change your bone density. Ask Gayle for further help.
Footwear! Poorly fitting shoes, shoes with no support or support which no linger functions eg slippers or with awful treads - you know the ones! Upgrade and change them.
Also foot pain and reduced foot sensations eg in diabetes with neurological issues can be aggravated with your choice of footwear.
So all in all - there are MANY ways to PREVENT falls.
Please take the time to make your own assessment and take appropriate actions. No-one wants a fall, and it will make you cross if you could have prevented it too!
If you wish to make an appointment go to this LINK
YOUR health IS my Priority - make it yours too.
(C) Gayle Palmer D.O. 2025