Falling is a serious risk for seniors, as 25% of Americans aged 65+ fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of senior injury and death. The document provides many tips to help prevent falls and ensure senior safety. It recommends exercising regularly to maintain strength and mobility, making homes safer with improvements like grab bars and lighting, and properly handling and storing medications. Following the listed safety tips can help seniors live independently and reduce their risk of falls.

1. In a given year, about 25 percent of Americans age 65+ fall
down, and falling is the leading cause of senior injury and death.
Source: https://www.seniorliving.org/research/
www.nationalseniors.com
HEALTH & SAFETY TIPS
SENIOR
PREVENTING INJURIES AND FALLS
Get up slowly after eating, sitting and
lying down
Wear shoes and slippers with traction
to prevent slipping
Use assistive devices (canes, walkers,
wheelchairs) as needed
Don’t run to answer a ringing telephone
Declutter your home to reduce the risk of falls
Move cords behind furniture or use cord covers
Store items on lower shelves to avoid using
step stools or ladders; if you need a step stool,
purchase one with a handle to grab onto
Change bed height by adding or removing
the box spring; when sitting on the bed, your
feet should touch the floor, and your knees
should not be higher than your hips
Exercise regularly to maintain strength and
mobility; walking briskly 2.5 hours a week is ideal
Stay hydrated and keep a pitcher of drinking
water and a cup nearby
Eat nutritious foods in the right amounts and
maintain a healthy weight
Handle food carefully, cook all meat thoroughly,
pay attention to expiration dates
Schedule health checkups and screening tests,
including vision and hearing exams.
Avoid driving at night and on unfamiliar streets;
stop driving when skills and reflexes diminish
Don’t give out personal information to
strangers, especially on the telephone
Wear a medical alert device that summons
emergency aid when needed
Make sure throw rugs have non-skid backings
or tape them to the floor
Replace dim lighting with bright lights; install
light switches at top and bottom of staircases
Add handrails to all stairways; install a stair lift
if you have trouble going up and down
Make bathrooms safer with grab bars, raised
toilet seat, a shower seat, and rubber mats in
shower and tub
Install nightlights in areas you frequent at
night; keep a flashlight next to the bed
Keep outdoor walkways, stairs and yards
clutter-free and well-maintained
Salt or sand all outdoor walks, driveway and
steps after a snowfall
ENSURING SAFE MEDICATION USE
EXERCISING AND LIVING HEALTHY
MAKING HOMES SAFE FOR SENIORS
Follow dosing and other usage instructions
carefully
Take medications in a well-lit room so you
can read the labels
Store medicines safely and away from food in
a cool, dry place and refrigerate if required
Keep medications in the original container;
if you transfer drugs to another container, be
sure to label it with the drug name, dose and
expiration date
Check expiration dates on all prescription
and over-the-counter drugs
Safely dispose of all expired and no-longer-
needed medications
Ask pharmacist for large-print labels and
easy-to-open containers