Exercise to Prevent Falls, and 4 Other Tips to Stay Upright

Falling is a major fear about growing older – and it’s a leading cause of injury and death among mature adults. It’s also a common problem for people who don’t yet consider themselves “old” in the traditional sense.

But it is not inevitable. Here are the top five ways to prevent falling, according to fitness, health and aging experts.

No. 1: Exercise to Prevent Falls

The US Preventive Services Task Force couldn’t be clearer: Exercise is the best defense against falling. Merely staying active helps, but exercising more than three hours a week lowers fall risk by 39 percent.

Movement includes anything you do consistently, even walking or cleaning house. But you also need to add resistance training, which includes weightlifting and resistance bands. The goal isn’t to get big muscles. It’s to keep you strong enough to prevent falling.

We all lose muscle later in life. Having less strength makes it hard to catch yourself when you trip (which everyone does, regardless of age). And muscle protects bones, so without it, we are vulnerable to breaks.

Strengthen your legs. Even if you’re only in your 50s or 60s.
Practice balancing – again, regardless of age. It’s never too early. Don’t wait until it becomes difficult.
Exercise helps prevent and treat Type 2 diabetes, which can cause nerve loss and damage in the feet – which makes it hard to stay upright.
Every time you exercise, you’re improving your body’s ability to move blood to extremities. And you’re helping your brain’s ability to process where you are in relation to other objects as you move.
Our back, hip, and abdominal muscles are collectively called the core. We need it strong for all kinds of reasons. Balance is at the top of them. Core strength allows us to move well at the hip, knee and ankle.

No. 2: Mind the Prescriptions

Did you know your risk of falling increases if you take four or more prescription medications? So, talk to your doctor or pharmacist and make sure she knows everything you’re taking and why. Don’t assume she’s aware and closely monitoring the list. That’s your responsibility.

No. 3: Fall-proof Your Home

Sixty percent of falls occur at home, the National Institute on Aging says. Remove clutter. Clear walkways of loose throw rugs and electrical cords. Install nightlights. Add support rails in the tub or shower.

No. 4: Wear the Right Shoes

Don’t use flip-flops, even on vacation. Wear high heels only indoors, if at all. Get some good walking and exercise footwear.

No. 5: Eat Well

Protein, calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are good ideas – but are not miracle cures or preventions. Use alcohol in moderation if at all.