1. Stay Active
Osteoporosis weakens the bones to a point where they may fracture or break on their own, often resulting in a fall or other accidents. Maintaining a fairly active lifestyle can strengthen the bones and help you have better control over your body. Physical activity also improves balance and muscle tone, which in turn helps you move around better without having to worry so much about the risk of slips and falls at every turn.
2. Check Your Vision
Many elderly people have vision problems that make it easier for them to trip over steps, furniture or small items on the floor. People who suffer from cataracts or glaucoma are especially susceptible to falls, but almost anybody who has some type of vision impairment should have their sight checked regularly.
3. Make Necessary Changes in the Home
Most of the falls and accidents suffered by elderly people occur at home. This makes sense when you think that you spend a good part of your time inside, but there are ways to protect yourself. As you get older, you may lose control over your balance or suffer vision problems, so your home should be modified to accommodate those changes. Keeping your home in the best possible condition is a good start. Anything that is broken, cracked or out of place should be fixed, so there are no chances for tripping or falling over loose cables or pieces of drywall. Tack down small rugs with nonskid tape or use a slip-proof mat. Picking up clutter, shoveling all ice and snow on steps or walkways, moving objects within easy reach (so that steps are not needed) and even rearranging furniture are all easy things everybody can without much time or money investment.
4. Install Additional Lights
As your vision fades, you might begin to feel insecure and have difficulty maneuvering around the house. This is especially serious if you live alone. You may resist the idea of turning on more lights in order to save money on your electric bill, but medical expenses resulting from a fall could prove that a false economy. Consider buying night lights or installing motion-sensitive or timed lights that go on and off by themselves or at the touch of a button.
