NEW YORK, N.Y., Sept. 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sunday marks the 6th Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day. This year's theme, Preventing Falls—One Step at a Time, seeks to unite older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness to prevent falls.
Did you know…
- Each year, up to a third of adults over the age of 65 living at home experiences a fall. And about one-half of nursing home residents fall each year. Almost two-thirds of older adults who suffered a fall within the past year will fall again.
- Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries in older adults that can lead to hospitalization, nursing home admission, and even death among older people.
- The chance of falling increases as we age. Health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, muscle weakness, poor balance or vision, foot problems, Parkinson's disease, dementia and even certain medications can increase your chance of falling.
What you can do…
- Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a fall.
- Review the medications you take with your healthcare provider and pharmacist to see if any of the medications you're taking may increase your risk of falling.
- Ask your healthcare provider to examine the way you walk, and to check your balance, leg strength and function.
- Fall-proof your home by tacking down rugs and carpets to the floor, and install nightlights in your bedroom, bathroom, and hallways.
Related resources from Healthinaging.org...
For more tips and information from the experts in older adult health and wellness, please visit www.healthinaging.org.