The Ultimate Guide to Preventing Injuries in Seniors
As we get older, it becomes harder to bounce back from injuries. So taking care of your body and doing your best to prevent injuries is paramount. Here’s our ultimate guide to preventing injuries in seniors.
Sleep Well
Preventing injuries starts the night before. Getting enough sleep is crucial for seniors. It gives your body a chance to recover and allows you to be alert the next day. Without a good night’s rest, you’re more likely to fall asleep in dangerous situations, such as driving, and to trip or fall and sustain an injury.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Your body needs good nutrition to retain strength in your muscles and bones. So be sure to eat plenty of healthy foods each day. Whole grains, lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are all excellent choices. When you give your body the nutrients it needs to stay strong, you’re less likely to suffer an injury.
Take It Slow
Slowing down often prevents injuries. Sit and stand slowly to avoid losing your balance or stressing your joints. Walk carefully, especially if surfaces could be slippery. And be sure to stretch out your muscles before exercising. Taking a few extra moments to move slowly just might prevent an injury!
Exercise
It may seem like exercising could put you at risk for injuries, and it’s true that you should be careful to exercise properly. But exercise is actually a very important part of preventing injuries in seniors. That’s because it keeps your body strong and improves your balance. So build exercise into your schedule, at least a few days each week.
Remove Hazards
Sometimes, preventing injuries is as simple as removing potential hazards. For instance, rugs and cords create trip hazards. Carrying bags or objects prevents you from using your hands to hold railings. And shoes with smooth soles or high heels make it easy to slip and lose your balance. So remove obstacles and loose objects in your home, use a fanny pack or backpack, and wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes with good traction. A little prevention goes a long way!
Use Appropriate Assistive Devices
There’s nothing shameful about needing assistive devices, like canes and walkers. So if your physician recommends an assistive device, use it as directed. They’re made to help you stay steady and prevent injuries. Be sure the device has been selected or adjusted to fit you. Otherwise, it may not work properly to prevent injuries.
Be Careful With Alcohol and Medicine
Alcohol and some medicines can make you more prone to injury. That’s because they can cause blurry vision, sleepiness, and dizziness. So be careful not to drink too much. And let your doctor know if your medicine makes you very sleepy. You may be able to switch to a different medicine instead.
Check Your Eyes and Ears
Vision and hearing can both diminish as we age. Yet both play a big role in preventing injuries. For instance, changes in depth perception may make you more likely to misjudge where a step is. And poor hearing could make you miss important sounds like alarms or oncoming vehicles. So have your vision and hearing checked regularly and follow any treatments your doctor recommends.
Want to be part of an independent living community that takes your safety seriously? Normandy Living is fully accessible and has been built to include safety features, like grab bars, emergency lighting, and fire alarms. Additionally, residents enjoy healthy meals and socio-recreational programming. Click here to learn more about what is included in our fee.
