Falls are a serious issue for older adults. As we age, the risk of falling increases. Approximately one in three older adults over the age of 65 will experience a fall each year, which can lead to loss of independence, mobility problems, depression and even death. The good news is that many falls in older adults are preventable. You can reduce your risk of falls by increasing your physical activity with muscle strengthening exercises that improve mobility and balance. Also, remember to watch for slipping and trip hazards around your home. Read our top evidence-based resources about falls prevention below.
November is Fall Prevention Month
Featured Resources
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Blog Post: Steady on your feet: New ways to improve balance and avoid falls
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Blog Post: Exercise programs can help reduce falls and prevent injuries
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Blog Post: Physical exercise can help combat signs of frailty in older adults
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Blog Post: Wii-based exercise programs for seniors – not your grandkids’ Nintendo
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Web Resource Rating: Hip protectors: Can they help break your fall and not your hip?
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Web Resource Rating: Preventing falls in older adults: Consumer fact sheet
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Web Resource Rating: After stroke: The Cinderella of falls prevention research
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Evidence Summary: Interventions for preventing falls in older people living in the community
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Evidence Summary: Pilates is a promising way to improve balance in older adults
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Evidence Summary: Stopping psychotropic medications can reduce falls and improve cognition
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DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).
Many of our Blog Posts were written before the COVID-19 pandemic and thus do not necessarily reflect the latest public health recommendations. While the content of new and old blogs identify activities that support optimal aging, it is important to defer to the most current public health recommendations. Some of the activities suggested within these blogs may need to be modified or avoided altogether to comply with changing public health recommendations. To view the latest updates from the Public Health Agency of Canada, please visit their website.
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Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. Donate Today.
