Thousands of people fall victim to falls every year.
Every second, even as you read this, someone is falling in their home, and suffering an injury or even death.
Falls are the most prevalent among those over age 65.
They are the reason for thousands of elderly deaths each year, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
It has been estimated that over one million people received treatment for falls in 2002.
Though these statistics are troubling, there is hope.
There are a number of things you can do to prevent yourself from falling.
Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to staying healthy and upright.
Practical Tips: What you need to consider Before you implement steps to prevent your risk of falling, it is important to remember a number of things.
First, falling can be caused by any number of things.
These may include being confined to areas with a lot of clutter.
Having too much furniture in your home makes you especially susceptible to falls.
To prevent this, it may help to shop around for an accommodating living space, especially if you live alone.
Also make sure that your living space is not crowded with tightly-packed furniture.
These can make you more likely to fall.
Contrary to what the media would like you to believe, falling is the number one cause of death among the elderly, experts say.
This far surpasses the elderly rate of other diseases.
Of course, finding ways to keep yourself from falling is not difficult.
Physical Activity Maintaining some level of physical activity is one of the best ways to prevent yourself from falling.
Studies show that physical activity has a number of benefits, both physical and mental.
People who exercise have a clearer head and a better attitude overall than those who are sedentary.
Getting yourself into a regular workout routine is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of falling.
Not only does it improve your balance; it also helps you strengthen your body and joints.
Exercise can also help women with osteoporosis, whose bones might be weakened.
Take a few moments out of each day to stretch.
Even if you don't get into a rigorous workout, get out and move around.
This gets blood pumping to your heart, which may make you more alert and aware of the obstacles around you.
Assistive devices As people get older, they often find themselves in need of equipment to help them walk and stay stable.
Experts at the Mayo Clinic stress the importance of placing assistive devices in your home.
Installing rails around toilets, bathtubs, and showers will help you stay stable.
The Mayo Clinic also recommends placing a rubber skid pad in the bathtub or shower.
24-Hour Care for Older Seniors As seniors age, they may need more intensive care and supervision to prevent falls and to help with activities of daily living (ADLs).
Residential care homes provide 24-hour care and supervision with trained care aids.