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Fall Prevention and Bone Health

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, but there are steps you can take to help lower your risk. Staying active, keeping your home safe, reviewing medications, and paying attention to your bone health can help you maintain your mobility, safety and independence.

Stay active and exercise regularly

Yoga, Tai Chi or water walking can improve muscle strength. Weight training helps keep bones healthy. Always talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.

Know your medications

Review your medications regularly with your doctor. Some medications may affect balance or cause dizziness. Keep a current medication list and bring it to your appointments. Our Personal Medication List can help.

Keep high-traffic areas clear

Most slips, trips and falls occur at home. Improve your home safety by keeping walkways clear, removing clutter, using non-slip mats, securing loose rugs, and adding nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.

Stay sharp

Schedule regular vision and hearing exams. Healthy vision and hearing play an important role in balance and mobility. Be sure to update glasses or hearing aids when needed.

Talk to your doctor

Talk with your doctor if you have fallen or are concerned about falling. Together, you can develop a plan to help reduce your risk of falling.

Understanding your bone health

Strong bones are an important part of fall prevention. Osteoporosis is a disease that thins and weakens your bones, making them more fragile. The good news is that osteoporosis is treatable and often it can be prevented. In many cases, early prevention and treatment can make a big difference.

Get to know more about your bone health and learn about osteoporosis symptoms, risk factors, detection, testing, and prevention. If you are over age 65, ask your provider about your risk for osteoporosis and what you can do to keep your bones healthy.

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