In 2018, 4,369 people died as a result of a fall. This represents an increase compared to 2017 (3,849). How can a nasty fall be prevented?
Society is aging and we are getting older: it is logical that there are more falls. That’s true, but that’s no reason not to do anything about it. There are plenty of ways to significantly reduce the risk of a nasty fall.
Extra vitamin D
The Nutrition Center advises women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 70 to take extra vitamin D to swallow. This is not without reason: a deficiency of vitamin D can cause muscle weakness, painful bones and easily breaking bones. This makes getting up more difficult and you are less stable. In addition, for women, a deficiency of vitamin D and calcium can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis). This problem mainly occurs after the transition. Someone with osteoporosis is at greater risk of bone fractures.
Check your medicines
Some medications can increase the risk of falling. Therefore, always consult your doctor and pharmacist if you are prescribed medication. The doctor or pharmacist can also tell you whether there is an increased risk of falling as a result of a combination of medicines. Do you already take medicines and do you want to know whether they increase the risk of falling? Then contact your pharmacist.
Do you still see clearly?
Good vision significantly reduces the risk of falling. Therefore, have your eyes checked regularly – even if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Your eyes can deteriorate considerably in a year, without you really noticing it. Nowadays you can go to the optician for a good and free eye test.
Customize home and hearth
A loose rug, a threshold, a pile of books on the stairs – most falls have these kinds of simple causes. Take a walk through your home and see what you can improve. For example, remove thresholds or paint them in a striking color. Place non-slip mats under the rugs and in the bathroom. Make sure each room has adequate lighting. If you have a slippery staircase, have anti-slip strips applied to it. And don’t leave stuff lying around.
Move, move, move!
Go to the gym, go laps in the pool, go dancing, go for a walk, go for a bike ride – get moving! By moving you keep your muscles fit and strong and you improve your reaction time. And that could be the difference between falling and staying put!
