Finding Balance 
Stay Independent. Prevent Falls.
Falls occur when you lose your balance and end up on the ground or a lower level from where you started. A fall can result in injuries, particularly for older adults. This can affect their ability to perform daily tasks such as getting into a car, rising from a chair, or carrying groceries. Preventing falls is important to staying independent. As you grow older, the risk of falling increases. Falls are the leading cause of serious injury in older adults.
There are a number of factors that can contribute to falls. Finding Balance is an awareness campaign targeted for adults over the age of 55 living in the Western Health region. Finding Balance focuses on real life strategies that older adults can use to lower their risk of falling through the promotion of its three key messages:
- Keep Active
Keep active to improve your strength and balance.Older adults with muscle weakness are 4-5 times more likely to fall. Try to do 30 minutes or more of physical activity at 5 days each week. Swimming, gardening and walking are a few great ways to be active. - Review Your Medications
Review all medications with you doctor or pharmacist. Seniors taking more that 3-4 medications are at higher risk of falling. Some prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal supplements can increase your risk of falling. - Check Your Vision
Visit an eye doctor for an eye exam every year. Older adults with low vision are 2.5 times more likely to fall. A comprehensive eye exam will test your eyes and look for issues like glaucoma and cataracts.
There are also other things that you can do to lower your risk of falls. Check out some of the additional resources section of this page. To book a Finding Balance presentation in your area, contact your local Community Health/Public Health Nurse.
Have your Vision Checked (poster)
Review Your Medications (poster)
Links:
Fall Prevention Month Resources
Finding Balance: National Falls Prevention