Every 15 seconds\u2014roughly the time it\u2019ll take you to read this sentence\u2014an older adult falls and suffers serious injuries. This simply shouldn\u2019t happen. Some age-related changes\u2014for example, in your vision, balance, and flexibility\u2014increase risks of falling, but there\u2019s a great deal you can do to prevent falls in later life. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging is committed to helping prevent falls.\u00a0 We have created a series of five new, easy-to-follow videos illustrating how older adults can avoid falls. I encourage you to take a look and to share these videos with others.<\/p>\n
The Foundation\u2019s new falls prevention videos<\/a> cover:<\/p>\n What you can do to avoid falls at home<\/a><\/strong>\u2014simple things you can do to prevent falls,\u00a0such as making sure all your rugs are firmly fastened to the floor or have nonskid backing; and installing night-lights in your bedroom, hallways, and bathroom.<\/p>\n Falls assessment<\/a><\/strong>\u2014a quick, simple, and reliable test your healthcare provider can use to determine whether you\u2019re at increased risk of falling.<\/p>\n How your healthcare professional can help lower your risk<\/a><\/strong>\u2014things your healthcare provider can do to help you lower your odds of falling, such as : identifying whether any of your medications or supplements might increase \u00a0your risk of a fall and finding safer alternatives; and checking your balance, vision, leg strength, blood pressure, and the way you walk, and recommending exercises and lifestyle changes to make you surer on your feet.<\/p>\n How to choose and use a cane<\/a><\/strong>\u2014expert advice for choosing the right cane, in the right size, and using it appropriately.<\/p>\n How to choose an use a walker<\/a><\/strong>\u2014an explanation of the different types of walkers, and advice for finding and using the right one.<\/p>\n The expert content for all five videos comes from Healthinaging.org<\/a>, which includes\u00a0a wealth of additional information, tips, and tools to help older adults prevent falls. Just type \u201cfalls\u201d in the search box above, and start lowering your risk today.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Every 15 seconds\u2014roughly the time it\u2019ll take you to read this sentence\u2014an older adult falls and suffers serious injuries. This simply shouldn\u2019t happen. Some age-related changes\u2014for example, in your vision, balance, and flexibility\u2014increase risks of falling, but there\u2019s a great … Continue reading