As we grow older, it becomes increasingly important to avoid slips and falls. Our bones and joints may not be as resilient as they were when we were younger, which means we must exercise additional caution. Here are some simple yet useful tips to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
Make Your Home Fall-Proof
A significant portion of our time is spent at home. That means it’s crucial our living space is designed to prevent any accidents or falls. That means:
- Keeping pathways free from clutter and cords, and anchoring rugs to the floor with tape or non-slip pads.
- Maintaining adequate lighting, especially in areas prone to accidents like bathrooms and stairwells. Motion-sensing lights provide both visibility and energy efficiency.
- Fitting handrails on staircases and positioning grab bars close to the toilet and shower in the bathroom.
Stay Aware of Your Environment
Both inside and outside the home, it’s important to be aware of potential tripping hazards. That means:
- Staying mindful of uneven sidewalks or pavements that could present tripping risks.
- Selecting supportive footwear with suitable traction, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Watching out for obstacles on the ground, such as purses, cords, sticks, or protruding furniture legs and loose rugs.
- Exercising caution on wet surfaces, especially after rainfall, as they may become slippery.
Proactively Prevent Falls
Take active measures to minimize falls by integrating basic exercises into your daily routine. Strengthening your balance and muscles can markedly decrease the likelihood of accidents.
Try this easy exercise:
- Stand next to or behind a sturdy chair and raise one foot off the ground, balancing on the other for several seconds to a minute.
- Alternate legs and perform the exercise again with the opposite leg.
If you’re looking for additional ways to stay active, explore the fitness programs offered at
Westminster Village at the Live Well Center. We offer experienced personal trainers to help guide you through everyday exercises designed to enhance and sustain your balance.
For added assistance, fashionable yet functional accessories such as canes and walking sticks are useful to accommodate diverse aesthetic tastes while also offering crucial support.
How to Fall Safely
Did you know there are ways to “fall correctly” to minimize your risk of injury? Here’s how:
- Keep calm and bend your elbows to help absorb the impact. This will protect your joints, including your wrists.
- Shield your head by turning it to the side when falling forward or tucking your chin if falling backward.
- Try to land on your bottom or the softer parts of your body to minimize the impact and cushion your fall.
- When possible, try to roll with the fall instead of abruptly halting it. This will limit the abrupt impact to your bones and joints.
Prevent Falls By Living In a Senior Living Community
Choosing to live in a senior community helps reduce your risk of falls with:
- Carefully tended outdoor areas protected from inclement weather, including services to treat dangerous ice or snow.
- Intelligently crafted interiors featuring wide walkways, elevators, and step-free entrances, reducing potential tripping hazards.
- On-site facilities tailored to enhance your overall wellness. Fitness centers offer opportunities to sustain your strength, while experienced personal trainers can guide you through balance-enhancing exercises aimed at fortifying stability and minimizing risk of falls.
Indulge in Care-Free Retirement at Westminster Village
Our living options are designed to help you celebrate active aging, with a personalized environment tailored to your preferences and needs. Join us and discover the daily joys of retirement in an upscale setting designed for today’s active seniors.
Contact us to learn more about our offerings.