Falls are the major reason why older adults lose their independence. About one-third of individuals aged 65 years and older fall once or more per year. Falls usually occur as a result of a number of preventable factors. Factors such as poor mobility, balance along with inactivity, and muscle weakness. Poor or altered vision, along with side effects of certain medications can also contribute to increased risk of falls. Strategies such as proper nutrition, active lifestyle with daily exercise along with monitoring environmental factors such as proper lighting, clutter free floors and ensuring handrails and grab bars are in place all assist in reducing falls. If you or a loved one is at risk, take the time to seek the advice of a physiotherapist as physiotherapy is highly effective in preventing and reducing the risk of falls and in the assessment and management of fallrelated injuries.

Doug Treloar, BMR, PT, physiofirstclinic.ca