Question 95 of 433
How do I prevent falls?
The short answer
Strong legs, practiced balance, good vision, safe shoes, a cleared floor, and a review of your medications.
One in four Americans over 65 falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death in that age group. Tai chi and exercise programs emphasizing balance and functional training reduce falls in trials. Resistance training supports strength; the evidence for preventing falls with resistance training alone is less certain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review every medication you take, especially sleeping pills, sedatives, and blood pressure medicines that may be making you light-headed. Fix lighting. Remove loose rugs. Install a bar in the shower before you need it.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — Older adults: balance and functional exercise reduce falls; multifactorial prevention is individualized.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 6, Q95 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.