Falls and Injury Prevention in Adults 65 Years of Age and Older

DID YOU KNOW…

• One in three adults over the age of 65 falls at least once per year; 
• Falling can cause injury, loss of mobility and independence;
• Falling is the sixth leading cause of death in seniors; 
• Seniors’ falls and injuries cost Canadians $3 billion per year. 

The good news is that falling can be prevented!

FOUR THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT FALLS:

1. Begin a regular exercise program
   Exercise is one of the most important ways to lower your chances of falling.  It makes you stronger and helps you feel better

1. Have your health care provider review your medications
   As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change.  Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, even over-the-counter medicines, can make you sleepy or dizzy and cause you to fall.

1. Have your vision checked
   It’s important to have your vision checked at least once per year.  You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition like glaucoma or cataracts that limit your vision.  Poor vision can increase your chances of falling.

1. Make your home safer
   About half of all falls happen at home.  Stop by the Temagami, Great Northern or Haileybury Family Health Teams to pick up a copy of the Independent Living Guide which has an extensive checklist for each room of your home in terms of things you can and should do to prevent falls.

 

The Temagami Family Health Team will be hosting another 12-week Stand Up Program starting in August.  If you are interested in attending or know someone who could benefit, please call the office at )705) 569-3244 to register.  Space is limited so register early!

 

Many falls can be prevented. 
By making some simple changes, you can lower your risk.