Preventing Falls

Fear of falling is common among older people. And no wonder — falls can have serious consequences, such as a broken hip or loss of independence. Each year in San Diego County, 100,000 older individuals experience a fall-related injury that requires emergency care. The good news is that 40 percent of falls are preventable.

Fear of falling may cause some people to limit their activity. But people who are active actually may protect themselves against falls.

"When we are less active, we lose muscle mass and become weaker. We also may feel less balanced. Both of these factors can lead to falls. And, as we age, our bones become more fragile — a process exercise can help slow down," said Judy Verbanets, physical therapist at Sharp Rees-Stealy.

These strategies can help you reduce the risk of falling:

  • Be aware of medications with side effects or interactions that affect balance, such as blood pressure medication. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your prescriptions.
  • Carry an over-the-shoulder purse rather than a handbag so your hands are free to grab railings and other supports.
  • Get your eyes checked at least once a year.
  • Remove hazards in the home, such as cords and loose area rugs. Arrange furniture so you have a clear walkway from room to room.

Learn More
At Sharp Rees-Stealy, our goal is to help you maintain a physically and socially active lifestyle without the fear of falling. To learn more about how you can prevent falls, attend our Fall Prevention Workshop. The workshop is designed to teach you:

  • How to identify changes that occur with aging that can increase the risk of falling
  • How to identify environmental factors that can increase the risk of falling
  • How you can use exercise to reduce the risk of falling

For More Information
This three-class series is $15 per person and is offered at Sharp Rees-Stealy Kearny Villa, La Mesa West and Rancho Bernardo. Register online or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277).