By Mariana Dangiolo, M.D., UCF Health

Everyone falls. But the older you are, the more likely you are to fall and have serious complications. More than one in three people age 65 years or older falls each year. That amounts to about 1.6 million emergency room visits from older adults who sustain fall-related injuries. Though it might seem as if falls just happen, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of falling and sustaining injuries that can greatly reduce your quality of life.

There are many risk factors that play into someone’s likelihood of sustaining an injury due to a fall. Some of these things are physically related, such as leg strength, balance and eyesight. And while you may feel that your body “is what it is,” you can still improve on many of these factors through things such as physical therapy, exercise and regular eye exams.

The ability to get up after a fall plays a major role in how detrimental your fall can be. So don’t let a fall be the first time you get up from the floor. Practice getting up from the floor 10 times a day. Have a chair nearby that can help you while you improve on your strength and ability to get back up. It’s also a good idea to strategically place furniture that you can use to steady yourself as you stand up if you were to fall. Just make sure it doesn’t create a tripping hazard.

At your next doctor visit, have a conversation with your doctor about any falls you have had since your last visit and what can be done to reduce your risk for falling. Also, ask your doctor to review your medication list to rule out any medications or reactions between medications that can cause dizziness or confusion.

Next, examine the things you can change immediately, such as your living environment. Simple changes to things in your home can help reduce your risk of falling:

Cut the clutter

Examine the pathways and stairways in the home. Don’t leave anything that might be tripped over lying around. Keep shoes in a closet or in a basket near the door.

Also, reorganize to make things easy to reach. Don’t use the top shelves if it requires a stool to reach the items or if you have to strain to reach them.

Beware of slippery spots

Things such as bath mats or nonslip adhesive tape are inexpensive and easy to install in the bathroom and on the stairs. Remove or tape down loose rugs that can be easily tripped over.

Leave a light on

Anyone can fall or miss a step if they can’t see where they are going. Make sure there’s a light at the top and bottom of all staircases and a nightlight in the bathroom.

Introduce a cane or walker

Don’t shy away from using assistive devices; they can greatly help your balance. Just make sure walkers and scooters are fitted properly and that you know how to use it properly.

Install handrails
It is helpful to have a handrail on both sides of a staircase. Also, install grab bars near the tub, shower and toilet and ensure they are securely attached to the wall.

Through immediate and long-term changes, you can reduce your risk for falls and help ensure your health and quality of life.

Dr. Mariana Dangiolo is a geriatric medicine specialist at UCF Health’s Lake Nona office and professor of geriatric medicine at UCF’s College of Medicine. She is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults by leading a comprehensive health care team that proactively works to ensure the health of her patients.