5 Ways To Prevent Falling After 60

A fall can cause serious injury at any age, but it becomes even more dangerous as you age. These types of events are the primary cause of injury — and even death — for people aged 65 and older. But that doesn’t mean they’re a normal part of aging.

Instead, the majority of falls affecting older adults are preventable. And, no, you don’t have to stay off your feet to avoid them.

Our Comprehensive Primary Care team offers high-quality health services for people at every stage of life, from adolescence to 65 and older. If you want to avoid falling after turning 60, our experts recommend following these five steps.

1. Exercise

Fear of falling may send you straight to your favorite chair, but you need to do the opposite to feel confident on your feet.

Staying active is crucial to maintaining all the things you need to avoid falls: strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility. 

Whether you’re already a fitness enthusiast or need help getting started, our providers can offer personalized suggestions to ensure you engage in exercises that improve flexibility, muscle strength, and balance.

Activities that can help reduce your risk of falling often include walking, yoga, tai chi, and water workouts.

2. Wear sensible shoes

You may love those comfy slippers, high heels, or flip-flops, but they’re a fall hazard waiting to happen. The same goes for wandering around in your stocking feet.

Our team recommends making your footwear part of your fall prevention strategy. But don’t worry, they can still be comfortable and fashionable at the same time.

For the best results, choose footwear that fits properly, provides support, and has non-skid soles to avoid slipping. These options also come with an added benefit — they often reduce joint pain, too.

3. Make your home safer

Research shows that 1 in 4 Americans 65 and older fall each year — and approximately 70% of falls occur in the home. We have a few simple strategies that can ensure you’re not one of them. Ways to make your home safer include:

• Removing tripping hazards like cords, newspapers, and boxes from walkways
• Moving tables, racks, and plant stands from high-traffic areas
• Securing area rugs or removing them entirely
• Storing everyday items, like food, dishes, and clothing, within easy reach
• Cleaning spills and repairing any damaged flooring or carpeting immediately
• Using nonslip mats and showers and bathtubs

It’s also important to keep your home brightly lit and store flashlights in easy-to-access locations in case of power outages.

4. Use assistive devices

Canes and walkers are just the beginning when it comes to assistive devices that can prevent falling. Other options include:

• Handrails on both sides of stairways
• Nonslip treads for steps
• Grab bars for tubs and showers
• Sturdy plastic shower seats for bathing
• Handheld shower nozzles
• Raised toilet seats with armrests

We can give you additional pointers on assistive devices to help you stay on your feet. 

5. Talk to your doctor

Finally, you must talk to your doctor if you fall or worry about falling.  

Our Comprehensive Primary Care providers offer personalized guidance on the best fall prevention strategy based on your overall health and individual needs. 

Ways we can help reduce your risk of falling include:

• Checking your vision, hearing, and feet
• Assessing your medications or supplements for fall risks and adjusting, if needed
• Diagnosing and managing existing health conditions

Our team also offers expert geriatric care that focuses on five key areas: mind, mobility, medications, multicomplexity, and what matters most. This specialized framework ensures you get care tailored to your needs as you age.

Do you want help avoiding a fall after 60? Schedule a consultation with one of our Comprehensive Primary Care experts in Lawrenceville or Suwanee, Georgia, today.