You know what they say: statistics do not lie. Based on a report by the World Health Organization, 28% to 35% of people aged 65 and above suffer injuries from falls each year. The report goes further in-depth by stating that over 50% of older adults went to the hospital for fall-related emergencies. While injuries are inevitable, falls can be mostly prevented. Falls pose a serious problem for your loved ones as they’re already in frail health. If they fall, their injuries may range from minor bruises and cuts to severe ones like hip fractures, broken arms, and even fatal brain damage. As such, it’s crucial that your loved ones are conscious of their safety. In this article, we look into some fall prevention tips for loved ones.
Be Physically Active
There’s a reason why medical professionals and caregivers constantly stress the importance of living an active lifestyle. Taking part in regular exercises gives flexibility, strength, and balance to the body, thus ensuring that loved ones can keep themselves on their feet. Exercises can also toughen up bones, muscles, and joints, which decreases the risk of osteoporosis. Of course, your loved ones will eventually notice that their weight is better managed, have lower blood pressure, and sleep more soundly after regularly doing physical activities in the long run.
Achieve Stronger Bones
Besides exercising, there are other ways your loved ones can make their bones stronger. One way is through introducing calcium and vitamin D to their diet. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. If your loved ones are constantly outdoors, they should have sufficient vitamin D. If they’re not, we recommend eating foods like salmon, mushrooms, and egg yolks. Another method is to take vitamin D supplements, though your loved ones should consult with their doctors first. Calcium intake can be increased by consuming dairy products, leafy greens, tofu, and soya beans.
Remove Fall Hazards in the Home
Believe it or not, most falls occur in the home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 60% of falls are caused by hazards in the home. As such, create a safe and secure living environment by removing household hazards such as decluttering any mess, installing good lighting, and organizing cables. Consider placing anti-slip mats and grab bars in the bathroom and kitchen as well as they are the riskiest areas in the home. To further avoid fall accidents from happening, your loved ones can even wear slip-resistance footwear.
Get Good Sleep
Sleep deprivation is mostly associated with falls. This should not be surprising as not getting enough sleep means that the brain is not well-rested and unable to respond efficiently. Suppose your loved ones are not getting the recommended six to eight hours of sleep per night. In that case, they’ll find themselves being more confused and less alert in their surroundings, in turn making them more clumsy and have a slower reaction in dangerous situations. To get a good night’s sleep, your loved ones should not exercise three hours before bedtime, eat hearty meals before bed, and have long naptimes in the day.
