Aging well: Making your home fall-proof

Why is it important to make my home fall-proof?

Falls happen. Most of the time, they are not serious. You pick yourself up and move on. But sometimes falls can be dangerous. Hitting your head can cause a head injury. A fall can break a bone, resulting in surgery and months of physical therapy. Falls are the leading cause of deaths due to injury among adults age 65 and older.¹ Broken hip bones from falls lead to the greatest number of deaths.

Preventing falls can help you live a more independent life. You are less likely to have an injury that can prevent you from carrying on your daily activities such as bathing, cooking, shopping, or just going for a walk.

Test Your Knowledge

 

1. Falls are the leading cause of deaths due to injury among adults age 65 and older.

1. True.
2. False.

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Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: November 21, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Kirtly Jones, MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology
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