Houston has an active senior community, offering Senior Fitness at Highland Park Community Center this Friday, August 15, at 8:30 AM, and Senior Basketball at Fonde Recreation Center on Saturday, August 16, at 10:30 AM, for example. We encourage you to find an activity you enjoy, but take care to stay safe and prevent falls—we don’t want you to seriously injure yourself!

Older adults have become more active in recent generations, and that is a great thing! It means you are staying physically fit and living fuller lives. However, because of the changes your body goes through as you age, falls can become a problem.Many injuries can be sustained from a fall, including hip fractures and even trauma that could lead to death.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself from falling. Make sure that any medications you are taking don’t cause dizziness. Have your eyes checked to be sure your glasses prescription is correct. Add safety precautions to your home, such as handle bars in and around the shower and bathroom, and even a chairlift so you don’t have to navigate the stairs.

One of the most important things you can do is to exercise and stretch daily. There are specific exercises that can help strengthen your feet and legs so that falling becomes less likely. Balance exercises can really help strengthen your legs and your core. All you need to do is practice balancing on one leg, but make sure you do both legs each day. You can also do calf raises to help strengthen your leg muscles. Leg extensions and knee curls are other great stretches you can do at home. In addition, make sure you are getting some cardio in a few times a week. Walking is a great way to do this without over-exerting yourself. You can even walk with a walker or a walking stick until you get stronger.

If you have more questions about preventing falls as you age call Dr. Robert Parker at (281) 497-2850 to schedule an appointment at Parker Foot & Ankle in Houston.