Fall prevention for seniors is a very important issue.
Receiving serious injury from falls is the number one accident that happens to the elderly.
That is why it is so important to become involved in a program every day that helps to prevent falls.
Here are things just about every senior can do immediately to prevent falls.
First, exercise is important.
As we age our muscles will lose their strength if they are not used.
Weak leg muscles can be a big contributor to falling.
Even seniors should exercise in some manner as often as they can.
This doesn't mean seniors have to go to the gym, although it is not a bad idea, if they are up for it.
But something as simple and as basic as walking can be a big help in keeping leg muscles strong.
If exercise is something the senior has not been involved in for a while it s always best to visit a doctor first and get their recommendation.
But back to walking-if possible seniors should walk as often as possible.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park a little further from the grocery store entrance so the walk will be a little longer.
If the weather is bad, go to an indoor mall and walk up and down the aisles.
Another way to prevent falls is to actually engage in balance exercises.
To do this you can hold on to something like a chair.
Lift one leg at a time and hold your balance while the leg is raised.
If possible let go of what is supporting you to gain even more from the exercise.
If you start to sway grab your support quickly.
Doing this for even just a few minutes each day will help with fall prevention.
The final piece to fall prevention for seniors is to make sure the home is free of clutter and properly lit.
It is important to keep the floor free from any obstacles that could lead to tripping.
Loose rugs, dog bones, articles of clothing or shoes, even electrical cords can all present dangerous hazardous and should not be in walk areas.
Making sure the right light is installed in all areas of the home is also important, especially at night.
If a person can see where they are walking and stepping that helps greatly to eliminate the possibility of slipping and falling.
Keep these basics in mind and they will help tremendously to prevent fall accidents for seniors.