Every year, millions of older adults fall, leading to injuries and emergency room visits. Sept. 23 is Falls Prevention Awareness Day, a good time to review safety measures that can prevent many falls.

Falls are the most common cause of injury visits to the emergency room for older adults, resulting in more open wounds, fractures and brain injuries than any other cause. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in people older than 65. Most falls happen at home and are often due to tripping.

Reduce the Risk of Falling

As you age, your risk of falling becomes greater because of changes in vision and balance, along with other medical and physical conditions. Most people also lose bone density as they age, so the risk of broken bones from falls is a greater concern.

Here are some ideas for older adults to lower the risk of falling:

• Have your vision and hearing checked regularly. Get your glasses updated when needed and be sure to wear them.
• Know the side effects of medicines you are taking. Some may lead to loss of balance and coordination.
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
• Wear rubber-soled and low-heeled shoes that fit correctly and support your feet. Don’t wear loose-fitting slippers that could cause you to trip.
• Don't go barefoot inside or outside of your home. Always wear shoes.
• Be careful on wet or icy sidewalks.
• Exercise daily to stay flexible and keep your bones strong.

Prevent Falls at Home

Take safety measures at home to reduce your risk of falling as you get older:

• Remove small rugs or use double-sided tape under small rugs to prevent slipping.
• Keep clutter to a minimum. Remove things from walking areas that you could trip over.
• Keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable level. This will keep you from becoming too dizzy from extreme cold or heat.
• Keep often-used items within reach, so you don't have to rely on a stepstool or ladder.
• Install handlebars next to toilets and bathtubs or showers.
• Use nonslip mats in bathtubs and showers.
• Improve the lighting in your home and outside. Use nightlights in the bedroom and hallways.
• Remove electrical cords from the floor in walking areas.
• Install handrails and lights on all staircases.
• Don't drink liquids too close to bedtime. Getting up to go to the bathroom at night is a leading cause of falls.

Balance and Falls in Older Adults

Having good balance means you’re able to control your body’s position. Many things can cause problems with balance, including medicines, balance disorders, vertigo, inner ear infection or low blood pressure.

See your healthcare provider if you feel unsteady, lose your balance, feel as if the room is spinning around you, experience falls or feel as if you’re moving when standing still.