Falls are one of the most significant health risks for older Americans. According to reports, more than one out of four adults over 65 suffered at least one fall in the past year. One of the most significant factors for fall risk is quality of vision. Studies have found that impaired eyesight more than doubles the danger.
Falls can lead to injury, loss of independence, and worse. Many of these injuries are avoidable. From updating your home to making sure your eyesight is in good health, there are simple ways to protect yourself from the risks of a fall.
Did You Know?
Each year, more than 25% of older Americans suffer a fall. Impaired vision more than DOUBLES the danger.
* www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
How To Prevent Falls in Your Home:
1. Lighting – Make sure all rooms – especially stairs – are well-lit. Put night lights and light switches near your bed. Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power goes out.
2. Stairs – Install handrails on both sides of all stairs inside and outside your home.
3. Floors and Rugs – Fix uneven floors and repair loose floorboards and carpeting. You can also put non-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. Be careful to avoid walking on slippery, recently washed floors.
Keep your floors clutter-free, including cords, papers, shoes, books, boxes, newspapers, and electrical cables.
If you have small rugs on your floors, consider removing them. Otherwise, to help make them safer and more stable, use double-sided tape, tacks, or slip-resistant backing.
4. Grab Bars – Grab bars can help anyone stay safer in the bathroom. Install grab bars to help you climb into the tub or stand in the shower. They will steady you while you reach for the hand-held shower. They will help you get on and off the toilet. They can even keep you from slipping on wet tiles.
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub or shower. You can also use a bath seat to sit on while showering.
5. Make Sure Your Eyes Are Healthy – Poor vision can increase the risk of falls. Not only can poor vision prevent you from seeing obstacles in your path, but being able to see well is vital for your overall ability to balance. Remember to:
- Use prescribed glasses and avoid wearing sunglasses indoors.
- Bifocals can blur your vision when navigating steps, curbs, or edges. When stepping over curbs and on stairs, look through the distance portion of your glasses, which can provide a clearer view.
- Add nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom, and hallway to help you navigate in the dark. Don’t forget to give your eyes time to adjust when moving from well-lit to poorly-lit areas.
- Get annual eye exams to update your glasses prescription and catch early warnings of issues like glaucoma and cataracts.
Remember: everything you do to prevent a fall is an investment in your health…and your vision! AMBA and your association have a comprehensive Vision Plan at affordable rates. Advantages include annual WellVision checkups, 100% coverage for most lenses (even progressives!), and thousands of nationwide in-network providers. Sign up today – acceptance is GUARANTEED! – at AMBAdentalvision.com or call or call 866-979-0497 Mon.-Fri. 8am-6pm CT.
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/fall-prevention/art-20047358
https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/prevention/older-adult-falls.html
