Lower your risk of falling as you get older with these simple steps

"Fall prevention is an important topic to consider as you get older. This is a result of the physical changes and health conditions that change as we age. In addition the use of some medications used to treat those conditions - make falls more likely as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. One in four older adults in the U.S. will fall each year, putting them at risk of injury, broken bones and even death."

"Falls are a growing public health concern as the country's population sees record numbers of people turn 65 - now and in the future. But common as falls may be, they are not inevitable. Risk of Falling. Discover four key risk factors for falls in older adults and practical strategies to enhance safety, independence, and quality of life. While some factors, like age and gender, are beyond our control, others are modifiable, allowing for targeted strategies to help reduce fall risk."

"Common hazards, such as poor lighting, lack of handrails on stairs, absence of grab bars in bathrooms, and tripping risks like rugs, can significantly increase the likelihood of a fall. Start with how your house is set up: Consider removing small area rugs, change out dim lighting and don't put pots and pans in hard-to-reach places. Then, aim for providing extra stability in places where its easier to lose your balance."

Falls among older adults stem from age-related physical changes, health conditions, and some medications, and they are a leading cause of injury. One in four older adults in the U.S. falls annually, risking injury, broken bones, and death. Falls are a growing public-health concern with an aging population, yet many falls are preventable. Modifiable risk factors include environmental hazards, muscle weakness, balance problems, and certain medications. Practical strategies include home modifications (improved lighting, remove rugs, add handrails and grab bars, no-slip strips), regular strength and balance exercise, and reviewing medications to reduce fall risk and preserve independence.

Read at Alternative Medicine Magazine