As we age, the systems that support our coordination and balance start to deteriorate, making seniors more susceptible to falls and fall-related injuries.

However, you should not let a fear of falling hinder you, for there are ways you can prevent yourself from fall-related injuries and from falling altogether.

The American Chiropractic Association recommends the following fall prevention tips:

Check your home for safety. At least one-third of falls are due to home hazards, such as objects on the floor. Reduce clutter or eliminate low-lying furniture. Also, make sure carpet or treads on stairs are secure, and remove throw rugs. Install handrails on staircases and grab bars by the bathtub/shower and by the toilet. Use rubber mats in the bathtub/shower and take up floor mats when you are not using the bathtub/shower. Make sure there is adequate lighting at night in your home and also along outdoor walkways leading to your door. Do not wax your floors, or if you do, use non-skid wax.

Exercise regularly. Exercise reduces your risk of falls because it improves strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Consider activities such as walking, water workouts or tai chi that involve slow movements. An experimental study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing showed that tai chi participants were almost twice less likely to experience a fall because they had increased knee and ankle strength and improved flexibility.

Consider your medications. Some medications have side effects such as dizziness or lightheadedness that can increase the risk of a fall. Combining multiple medications also augments your risk. Talk to your prescriber about lower dosages to reduce your chance of falling.

Get your vision checked. If you can’t see clearly, you are more prone to tripping and falling. Age-related vision impairments include cataracts and glaucoma, which can affect your depth perception.

Strengthen your bones. Limit the effects of osteoporosis, which causes bones to be more likely to fracture, by increasing calcium and vitamin D consumption.

You have the power to help keep yourself securely on your feet and to avoid falling. To reduce injury if you do fall, try to fall forward on your hands or backward on your buttocks—not on your spine.

At Advantage Chiropractic Clinic in Auburn, we’re here to help you. Give us a call today at (334) 821-2552 to set up an appointment. #AdvantageChiropracticClinic #PreventingFalls