Staying Healthy, Safe and Strong
Exercise
Exercise is the most important way to prevent falls as it helps to keep your muscles, bones and joints strong. Exercise can be as gentle as holding onto a chair and tapping your toes to more moderate activities such as dancing.
Our free Home Support Exercise Program may be helpful. It’s designed for older adults who can’t leave their home but would like to be involved in gentle exercises.
Nutrition
Nutrition is also important to maintain bone and muscle strength as well as resistance to infection. Older adults need more vitamin D and calcium in their diets to strengthen bones and decrease the chance of breaking a bone during a fall. Canada’s Food Guide can help you understand what kinds of foods can keep you in good health.
Medications
Medications can sometimes cause side effects such as weakness, drowsiness or dizziness which can lead to falls. It is important that you speak with your doctor or your pharmacist about the medications you are taking. If you are receiving nursing care, the nurse can also help you with your medications.
Mixing alcohol and medication can cause further side effects such as sleepiness, confusion, or lack of coordination which increases your risk of falls and injuries.
Clothing and Footwear
If clothing and footwear are loose fitting or too long, they can cause a fall. Clothes such as long skirts, long house coats, or loose pants can be stepped on, resulting in tripping or falling. Wearing good fitting shoes or slippers that have a non-slip sole and a low heel will help prevent slipping and tripping.