STAYING ON YOUR FEET
Taking Steps to Prevent Falls
While anyone can have a fall, if you are 65 years of age or older, you are at a greater risk of falling. A fall can result in serious injuries that affect your mobility, independence and lifestyle.
- 1 in 3 Canadians age 65 and over fall at least once a year
- Falling is NOT a normal part of aging
- Most falls can be prevented
The following checklist can help you identify the things that put you at risk of falling.
Answer the questions below to help you stay on your feet and prevent falls:
- Have you had a fall in the last year?
- Do you have trouble with your balance, are unsteady on your feet or have difficulty getting up from sitting?
- Do you spend less than 30 minutes each day being physically active?
- Do you take 3 or more medications a day?
- Do you take medications for sleeping, blood pressure, mental health or pain, or any medications that make you drowsy or lightheaded?
- Do you take less than 1000 IU of Vitamin D each day?
- Do you eat less than 3 nutritious meals each day?
- Do your shoes have high heels, slippery soles or fit poorly?
- Do you wear slippers, socks or stockings without shoes?
- Have you had a stroke?
- Do you have arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s Disease or problems with your heart, blood pressure or bladder?
- Has it been more than 2 years since your eyes were tested or 1 year since your glasses were checked?
- Do you do activities that put you at risk of falling such as climbing a ladder or using a step stool?
- Are there hazards in your home that could cause you to fall such as scatter rugs, clutter on the floor or stairs, poor lighting?
Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions identifies a personal risk factor that could lead to falls.
Share this checklist with your family, close friends or healthcare providers so they can help support your efforts to prevent falls.
For information and tips on how to prevent falls, visit www.preventfalls.ca
Take action TODAY to prevent falls and maintain your mobility and independence.
