Tips for Preventing Potentially Debilitating Falls for Seniors

Exercising regularly will not only help senior citizens maintain better balance, it will also lessen the impact if they do fall. Joints that are in good working order, strong bones, and limber muscles will be less affected in the event of a fall.

Now that winter is here, make sure your footwear is winter-worthy. Solid non-slip soles and no heels are recommended. And make sure they're a good fit! Zippered boots are great, but if you have laces, make sure to keep them tied.

There are several things you can do around the home to make it a safe place this winter. Make sure you have adequate lighting between the front door and vehicles, so you'll be able to see any ice or snow. Have a plan in place to remove that ice and snow safely as soon as a storm is over. Fix any loose railings. And use salt granules to melt the ice in troublesome areas.

Inside the home, having a good-fitting non-slip pair of slippers by the door will help prevent slipping on water that's tracked in. And avoid loose rugs by the door that could cause a fall.

The best way to prevent falls is to take your time. Always looks for the safest direct route to your vehicle or mailbox, or wherever you're walking to. Those extra few seconds or even minutes to get to your destination could save you days, weeks, or months of recovery time after a bad fall.