November is Fall Prevention month in Canada. The importance of addressing the impact of falls on older Canadians cannot be understated. Falls can have devastating and long lasting outcomes on a person, resulting in chronic pain, reduced quality of life, injury and even loss of independence. Additionally, falls are the primary reason for injury-related death, hospitalizations, and emergency department visits for older adults in Canada. The cost of falls in the older adult population costs the Canadian economy $5.6 billion a year in medical and other expenses.

Tips to avoid falls:

● Exercise to build strength and balance.
● Don’t rush when getting up out of a chair or walking.
● Get your sight and hearing checked regularly; ensure you get and use glasses and/or hearing aids if they are required.
● Manage your medications and review them with a pharmacist as some may cause dizziness and falling.
● Wear well-fitting shoes, even when in your home.
● Consider using a cane or mobility device.
● Make sure you have proper lighting in your home and remove tripping hazards and clutter in hallways, stairs and rooms.
● Install handrails where appropriate. Preventing falls is critical to staying healthy for older adults in Canada. Take the necessary measures to reduce the risk of falls.