It’s true – falls can happen to anyone at any age. But as we get older, recovery can take longer, and the risk of injury can be higher. According to the National Institutes of Health, one in four adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year1, and over 800,000 people in this group are hospitalized each year due to fall-related injuries – primarily hip fractures and head trauma.2
The good news? There’s so much you can do to lower your risk and feel confident in your day-to-day life. Preventing falls, and knowing what to do if you have one, are two strategies that can keep you living life to the fullest. And since September is Fall Prevention Awareness month, it’s a great time to learn what you can do to strengthen your body and make your environment a safer space. Here are four easy habits to start.
1) Build strength
It’s never too late to increase muscle strength and stability, which is essential for maintaining agility and independence. Gentle daily movement, like a walk around the neighborhood, helps keep muscles flexible and joints happy. If possible, perform simple exercises to build muscle, like bicep curls, squats, and lunges with light weights for added resistance. Don’t have hand weights or find them too heavy? You can even utilize household items like soup cans to get some movement in. Activities like Tai Chi or balance-focused classes can be a fun way to improve steadiness while also connecting with others in your community.
2) Declutter your path
A clear path means a safer path. Take a fresh look at your home surroundings, both inside and out, and remove anything that could cause you to trip or lose your balance. Outdoors, ensure low-hanging branches are trimmed and consider adding motion-sensor or timer-based lighting for better visibility at night. Indoors, arrange furniture so you can move easily between rooms, secure loose rugs, bundle long cords neatly, and tie back curtains or drapes so they will not get in your way. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping your steps steady and confident!
3) Listen to your body’s signals
Pay attention to how you feel at different times of the day. Some people have more energy later in the morning or afternoon, especially after taking medication. If that sounds like you, plan walks or exercise sessions for the time you feel your strongest. If you notice dizziness when standing up, steady yourself with a sturdy surface such as the back of a chair or a cane. Remember, balance and endurance are affected by hydration and nutrition, so drink water and eat a healthy diet throughout the day.
4) Wear a medical alert device
Even with strength, balance, and decluttered surroundings, accidents can still happen. Wearing a medical alert device ensures that if you ever need help, you can get it right away, no matter where you are. With the MGMini by Medical Guardian, one button press connects you to their 24/7 monitoring center, so you are never alone in an emergency. You can also add automatic fall detection to your device, which can send an alert even if you cannot press the button yourself. The MGMini is water-resistant to help keep you safe in the shower, holds a charge for up to five days, and comes in four stylish colors to suit your personal style. It supports an active lifestyle with features like step tracking to help you meet your goals, and it offers a free online portal where you and your loved ones can view health and safety information anytime.
Preventing falls doesn’t mean you have to overhaul your life or abandon your favorite pastimes. You can still do it all, especially with the security and peace of mind provided by a portable medical alert device like the MGMini. No more wondering who you’d reach out to if you fall, or how you’d communicate your location to emergency personnel.
Interested in getting protected with a medical alert device?
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