Health and Fitness

Ways to Prevent Falls Around the House

Author
Jason Lewis
Published On
March 13, 2019

When it comes to getting older, falling consistently rates as a top fear among seniors. Falling is a real concern for older adults, but worrying about it isn't doing you any favors — when you're afraid of falling, you're actually more likely to fall! Rather than fretting over falling, take action to prevent falls so you age with sure footing.

Reducing Fall Risk at Home

Most senior falls happen at home, so if you want to prevent falls, your house is the place to start. Thankfully, you don't need to overhaul your living arrangements to create a safer home. With these cost-effective updates, you can dramatically shrink your fall risk.



Don't avoid safety modifications due to expense! While you’ll need to hire contractors for some jobs, the amount you'll spend adapting your home is far less than the hospital bill after a fall. If it's your first time hiring a home improvement contractor, read this guide to learn what to expect.

Increasing Senior Strength and Mobility

Changes around the house make life safer for seniors with mobility loss, but they don't address the root cause. If you truly want to stop fearing falls, you need to improve your physical strength.


No matter your age, you can improve strength and stability through exercise. Tai chi is a great example of exercise that builds balance without being too physically demanding. Other options include yoga, strength training targeting the lower body, and exercises that specifically target balance and stability. There's nothing wrong with exercising at home, but if you prefer the safety and camaraderie of group exercise, look into SilverSneakers. Many Medicare Advantage plans, including those provided by Humana, offer Silver Sneakers benefits, which comes with access to thousands of participating fitness centers, including fitness classes.

Other Factors Influencing Fall Risk

Keeping your body strong and your home safe greatly reduce fall risk, but they don't eliminate it. If you're not addressing these fall risk factors, you could still experience a life-changing fall.



Staying home and avoiding physical activity is no solution for your fear of falling. While a sedentary lifestyle might help you avoid falls in the short-term, over time it reduces your physical fitness so you're more likely to suffer a fall. If you really want to stay upright and avoid injury, proactive fall prevention is the place to start.


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