Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Myth: Using an assistive device will make me more dependent.

Reality: As assistive device may actually increase your independence—allowing you to be more active and still do the things you enjoy. Think of when you first got glasses—you really didn’t want them, did you? Now, imagine your life without them. A walker or cane provide the same help.

Myth: I don’t need to use my assistive device when I am in my own home.

Reality: Again, think about your glasses—do you function as well without your glasses as you do with them? Now, imagine your life without them. A walker or cane allow you to get around ANY environment safely.

Myth: If I stay seated most of the time, I reduce my risk of falling.

Reality: Inactivity leads to muscle and joint weakness which may lead to a fall.

Myth: Falling is just something normal that happens as I get older.

Reality: Problems in later life are not part of “normal” aging. Falling is no more “normal” than memory loss and may be prevented through things like strengthening exercises for the body or changes in your environment to eliminate fall risks, a fall may be prevented.

Myth: Taking just one medication cannot increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways. One of the common problems is that the initial dose of the medication is too high. Be very careful when starting a new medication and take extra care until you see what affect it is going to have on you.