As we get older some of the things we’re used to doing every day, get a little bit harder and for many of us staying independent is very important. If you’re worried about falling and want to know what you can do to stay steady, watch Age UK’s great video above or simply keep reading to find out more.
It all starts at home
By looking for anything that might cause you to trip you can avoid potential problems before they happen. For instance your favourite rug might already be non-slip but if the corners are starting to turn over it becomes a trip hazard.
Love those old slippers? While they may be comfy, they could also cause a fall. Well-fitting slippers will still be comfortable but will be a lot safer too.
Let there be light
Having a well-lit house can also help to prevent falls, something which is particularly important when it comes to stairs where accidents can happen. Little things like getting up in the night to go to the bathroom could be a problem but a nightlight in the hallway will make that journey much safer.
Get moving
Physical health plays an important in avoiding falls. Another great tip is asking your doctor to check if any of your medication has any side-effects that might make you more likely to fall. Checking your hearing and eyesight can also play a role in preventing falls. After all you can’t avoid a trip hazard you can’t see!
Regular exercise will help to improve your strength and balance. Now you can relax knowing that all these simple changes will make a fall less likely.
For more tips and advice on fall prevention visit www.ageuk.org.uk
We think it's important you understand the strengths and limitations of the site. We're a journalistic website and aim to provide the best Money Saving guides, tips, tools and techniques, but can't guarantee to be perfect, so do note you use the information at your own risk and we can't accept liability if things go wrong.