Bev Krikorian is 78 and recovering from a knee
Back to top
Find more resources
BUILD BETTER BALANCE TO REDUCE YOUR CHANCES OF FALLING
for Free!
NEW STORY!
800-799-7233
Domestic Violence Hotline
replacement. The Sacramento retiree actively enjoys life and says she “can’t afford to fall and break any bones.” So, on the advice of her orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist, she joined a fall prevention class taught by a former ballet dancer twice a week.
After regular exercises to improve her balance, she’s now more deliberate about every step she takes, concentrating on walking heel-toe, heel-toe, and using walking poles or a cane when needed.
“I’m reminded of what my mother used to tell me as a child, ‘Pick up your feet, Bev!’”
Exercise classes like this are offered at senior centers, hospitals, care homes, and other venues throughout the state. Many are delivered by California’s 33 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) and the California Healthier Living coalition. The coalition is the result of a partnership between the California Department of Aging and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to address falls, the leading cause of injury for older adults.
Nearly 1.5 million older Californians — more than 27% of people over 60 — fall each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control, and about 37% of those falls result in moderate or severe injuries.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
“People think falls are a natural part of aging, but they’re not. A majority are preventable,” says Christy Lau, a program director with Partners in Care Foundation, which develops and oversees fall prevention programs throughout California.
The best approach to avoiding falls is exercise, Lau says. Classes designed to increase the mobility, strength, balance, and confidence of older adults and people with disabilities are offered throughout the state. Check availability at your local AAA online or by calling 800-510-2020.
Many programs offer a variety of exercise options for older adults, including strength and balance classes. Tai chi and tai ji quan — Chinese martial arts that use slow, intentional movements — also cut the risk of falling by more than half, experts say.
“A lot of people think martial arts are physical activity, but first and foremost, it’s mind activity — keeping your mind focused, stable, and calm,” Lau says. Controlled, intentional movement increases your ability to stay alert and on your feet, she says.
In addition to regular exercise, California Healthier Living suggests steps people can take to prevent falls:
• Check medications. Some can make you sleepy or dizzy, putting you at risk for falling. Have your doctor review both prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
• Check vision. Have comprehensive annual eye exams and keep prescription eyeglasses up to date. Don’t wear bifocals while walking.
• Make your home safer. About half of all falls happen at home.
Wear shoes inside and out. Avoid slippers or stocking feet.
With some forethought and planning, you can increase your odds of staying upright and healthy. For more information on how to build better balance and reduce your risk of falling, reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging. They can connect you with the resources, classes, and support you need to stay active, independent, and safe. Find your AAA online or by calling 800-510-2020.
• Remove clutter and tripping hazards like throw rugs, papers, books, clothes, and shoes from places where you walk.
• Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall.
• Put railings on all stairs.
• Add grab bars in the bathroom.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
• Have good lighting, especially on stairs.
• Keep items you often use in cabinets you can reach easily without a step stool.
• Wear shoes inside and out. Avoid slippers or stocking feet.