Falls are the leading cause of injury in Alberta seniors. The good news is that there are steps that seniors can take to prevent falls.

“1 in 3 Alberta seniors will fall every year,” said Dr. Kathy Belton, Associate Director of the Injury Prevention Centre. “With the support of healthcare providers and programs like Finding Balance we can show seniors that there are proven ways they can reduce their risk of falling and stay active in their communities.”

KEEP ACTIVE
Seniors should try to do 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity 5 days a week. Activities like tai chi, dancing and cross-country skiing are lots of fun, and great ways to strengthen arm and leg muscles!

Seniors should do activities that focus on four key areas…
• Balance: exercises in a standing position or tai chi.
• Strength: wall push-ups, stair climbing or exercises with weights or bands.
• Endurance: walking, dancing, cycling or cross-country skiing.
• Flexibility: stretching, yoga or tai chi.

CHECK YOUR VISION
Seniors may notice changes in their vision. What sort of changes should seniors be looking out for? Eyes might take longer to adjust to changes in light, it may become harder to identify objects, judging the distance between objects may become difficult, especially at night and conditions like cataracts, glaucoma or macular degenerations may develop.

What can seniors do?
• Visit the eye doctor yearly for an eye exam. Alberta Health Care covers the cost of eye exams for adults 65 and older.
• Keep rooms well lit.
• Use a nightlight with a motion sensor in the hallways and bathroom.
• Wear sunglasses, year round – winter time, too!

REVIEW YOUR MEDICATIONS
Some over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements may increase the risk of falling. Seniors should visit their doctor or pharmacist yearly, or when medications change to reduce their risk of a fall.

Here are some important questions to ask the doctor or pharmacist:
1. What is the medication used for?
2. Will it cause dizziness or drowsiness as a side effect?
3. Will it cause blurred or double vision?
4. What should I do if I have side effect?
5. What should I do if I miss a dose?
6. Should I avoid alcohol, or other foods and beverages?

“Falls are not a normal part of aging,” said Dr. Belton, “Together we can motivate seniors to take action to prevent falls and enjoy getting older, injury-free.”

Finding Balance is a seniors’ falls prevention program is developed and programmed by the Injury Prevention Centre (IPC) in partnership with healthcare practitioners and community partners across Alberta. Finding Balance runs for the month of November. www.findingbalancealberta.ca