Why do people fall?
Falls are serious at any age, but especially for older people who are more likely to break a
bone when they fall. If you have a disease called osteoporosis, you are more likely to
break a bone if you fall. Osteoporosis is called the �silent disease� because bones become weak with no symptoms. You may not know that you have it until a strain, bump, or fall causes a bone to break. Falls are especially dangerous for people with
osteoporosis. If you break a bone, you might need a long time to recover. Learning how to prevent falls can help you avoid broken bones and the problems they can cause.
Why Do People Fall?
Some of the reasons people fall are:
- Tripping or slipping due to loss of footing or traction
- Slow reflexes, which make it hard to keep your balance or move out of the way of a hazard
- Balance problems
- Reduced muscle strength
- Poor vision
- Illness
- Taking medicines
- Drinking alcohol.
Illness and some medicines can make you feel dizzy, confused, or slow. Medicines that may increase the risk of falls are:
- Blood pressure pills
- Heart medicines
- Diuretics (water pills)
- Muscle relaxants
- Sleeping pills.
Drinking alcohol can lead to a fall because it can:
- Slow your reflexes
- Cause you to feel dizzy or sleepy
- Alter your balance
- Cause you to take risks that can lead to falls.
How Can I Prevent Falling?
At any age, people can make changes to lower their
risk of falling. Some tips to help prevent falls outdoors are:
- Use a cane or walker
- Wear rubber-soled shoes so you don't slip
- Walk on grass when sidewalks are slick
- Put salt or kitty litter on icy sidewalks.
Some ways to help
prevent falls indoors are:
- Keep rooms free of clutter, especially on floors
- Use plastic or carpet runners
- Wear low-heeled shoes
- Do read more
