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Lower Your Risk of Falling

 
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The Basics

If you are age 65 or older, there are things you can do to lower your risk of falling:

  • Exercise to improve your leg strength and balance.
  • Ask your doctor to review your medicines. Some medicines can make you dizzy.
  • Get your eyes checked. Your eyeglass prescription may need to be changed.
  • Make your home safer.

For people age 65 and older, falling can cause serious injuries and health problems. More than 1 in 3 older adults falls each year. Older adults usually fall during everyday activities like turning or walking up stairs. Sometimes people fall because they have a medical condition, like dizziness or balance problems or they may trip over things in their home.

Start Today: Small Steps
  • Pick up books, papers, and shoes from the floor and stairs.
  • Wear shoes inside your home.
  • Take this quiz to check your understanding of falling and older adults.
  • Schedule a time to get your eyes checked.
  • Print out these simple exercises for seniors to improve your strength and balance.

Read about osteoporosis. Learn more about getting a bone density test.

Find additional resources from healthfinder.gov.


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