As we age, our bodies can become less resilient to falls and sudden impact. That’s why it’s important to stay aware of our surroundings -— to prevent sprains, breaks, and other injuries. Here are some easy, useful tips to prevent tripping and falling and reduce your risk of injury — all while maintaining your independent senior living lifestyle.
A lot of our days are spent at home, which is why it's important to set up your house or apartment to prevent falls and minimize tripping hazards. This includes:
1. Keeping your hallways and room clear of cords, personal items, and other clutter.
2. Securing rugs to the floor with tape or non-slip pads.
3. Maintaining a well-lit space, with bright lighting in accident-prone areas like the bathroom and stairwells.
4. Installing handrails on staircases and grab bars in the bathroom, especially near high-risk areas like toilet and shower.
Throughout your daily routine, it’s important to be on the lookout for any potential tripping hazards. Once you begin to notice these, it becomes second nature to keep an eye out for them. It is also a good idea to wear appropriate footwear with suitable traction for the terrain. This includes both inside and outside the home.
Possible tripping hazards inside and outside the home include:
1. Sidewalks and pavements that are uneven or have potholes.
2. Protruding furniture legs as well as bags, chords, and unsecured rugs.
3. When you are outside, be careful walking on any sticks or slippery leaves.
4. After rainfall, tread carefully on any wet surfaces and avoid large puddles.
Keep yourself steady on your feet with simple daily exercises to improve your balance, strengthen your muscles, and minimize your risk of falls.
Here’s one easy exercise to try:
1. Stand behind or next to a stable chair that doesn’t have wheels. Hold onto it for balance if needed.
2. Shift your weight to one leg, raising the other leg off the floor.
3. Balance for several seconds, up to a minute.
4. Alternate legs and perform the exercise again for your other side.
For extra support, fashionable and functional canes and walking sticks can be very useful. Many different styles are available to fit a wide range of aesthetics and outfits, all while also providing you with added stability and keeping you self-sufficient.
Did you know there are ways to minimize impact and prevent injuries when you fall? Here's how:
1. Aim to land on a soft part of your body: Try to land on your bottom or another soft area to help cushion your fall.
2. Bend your elbows: If you catch yourself with your hands, bending your elbows will help absorb the impact and protect your wrists and joints.
3. Protect your head: Turn your head to the side if you're falling forward to protect your face, and tuck your chin if you're falling backward to avoid hitting the back of your head.
4. Roll with the momentum: Whenever possible, roll and move with the momentum of your fall rather than trying to stop abruptly. This helps limit the impact on your joints and bones.
Living in a senior living community allows you to maintain your independence, while also preventing injuries before they occur.
1. Purposefully designed community spaces and residences, with wide walkways, elevators, and step-free entrances ensure ease of access.
2. Carefully tended outdoor areas that are regularly cleared of ice, snow, and leaves to ensure safety.
3. On-site facilities for muscle and balance improvement. Atrium Village features a state-of-the-art wellness studio, fitness classes, and personal trainers to guide you through exercises designed to improve and maintain your balance and stability.
Support both your body and mind with our diverse activities and programs, all while maintaining your independent lifestyle. At Atrium Village, our maintenance-free living invites you to relish in the luxury of free time. Reach out to learn more about our community and discover your new home.
Should health or mobility challenges ever become an issue, the continuing levels of care available at Atrium Village can offer real peace of mind. If you want to learn more about our assisted living and memory care services, we will happily arrange a private tour for you and your family. Just call 410-363-0330 or fill out the form to the right with your question or comment.