Preventing Falls in Older Adults Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog Preventing Falls in Older Adults Sep 18, 2019 Agata Smieciuszewski Share Tweet Post Whether you have an older relative living with you, visiting for a holiday, or living on their own, it's crucial to think ahead and prepare a safe atmosphere for them. Falls are the second-leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths. Who's most at risk? People over 65. "Exercise is the only thing that has been proven to prevent falls." "Nobody knows when they are going to fall," says Dr. Sonja Rosen, chief of geriatric medicine. "The best way to avoid a fall is to be super careful and mindful of your environment." Read: How to Live a Longer, More Fulfilling Life Every year, over 37 million people suffer falls that require medical attention, which can lead to chronic pain, disability, hip fractures, pelvic fractures, and more health issues. These injuries are more likely to be severe for older people and children. "Loss of independence resulting from fall injuries is the biggest issue with many of our older adults," says Kathleen Breda, who leads the Geriatric Fracture Program at Cedars-Sinai. Use these tips to help your relatives avoid falls and stay safe. Read: Live Longer, Age Stronger Tips to Prevent Falls Reduce clutter Decrease clutter around the house that could cause someone to trip. Remove or secure rugs, keep objects off the floor and stairs, and tape wires down. Ensure that pathways through furniture are clear and easy to navigate. Lighting Make sure outside stairs, porches, and indoor spaces have plenty of light. Add nightlights in necessary spots and make sure light switches are easy to access. "Older people often get up at night to use the bathroom," says Dr. Rosen. "Make sure that the area is well-lit and free of obstacles so they don't trip." In the Newsroom: Focus on Osteoporosis for Falls Prevention Awareness Day Safety equipment Encourage loved ones who have a cane or walker to use it. "The rubber stoppers on the bottom of walkers and canes can often get worn down and cause people to slip easily," says Kathleen. "Check periodically to make sure they're not over-worn." Going out Urge your loved ones to be careful when going somewhere unfamiliar. "I hear a lot from my patients that they fall when they go to a new place and are unfamiliar with the surroundings," says Dr. Rosen. In the Newsroom: Cedars-Sinai Gets Seniors Moving to Prevent Falls and Loneliness Medications Many older patients are on medications that can increase their risk of falling. It's important to review all of them—including the over-the-counter ones—with their doctor. "A lot of people take, for instance, Tylenol PM, and that has Benadryl in it," says Kathy. "In the older population, it can increase the risk of falls." Exercise Exercise is the only thing that has been proven to prevent falls. Encourage your family member to try swimming or a group class, such as tai chi, to help improve balance and feel stronger. Tags Expert Advice Aging Safety Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics Cancer Women's Health Heart Expert Advice Patient Stories Brain Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility