Steady and Ready
Resources for Fall Prevention
If you’ve passed your 65th birthday – congratulations!
You are officially at higher risk of falling than you were when younger, especially if your 75th birthday is also behind you.
HOWEVER …
Falling is not a natural part of aging!
While we are at higher risk of falling when we’re older, there are many things you can do to lower your personal risk.
The internet is full of free ideas on how to take charge of this issue for yourself. Here are links to some of my favorites.
If you spend time exploring these, they’ll lead you to many others!
General online resources for fall prevention
One place to begin is with this Falls Free Check Up, where a series of questions will help determine your personal risk and point you toward appropriate help.
A similar tool is available for download through the CDC’s STEADI program.
Click here for the Stay Independent brochure, which includes a self-test to assess your personal risk of falling.
The North Carolina Fall Prevention Coalition offers this resource-rich website: www.StandingStrongNC.org. In addition to information and tools for fall prevention, North Carolina residents can find classes and programs throughout the state.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) offers lots of articles and tips on a wide range of fall prevention topics here, and this short video on the 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall.
Exercise-specific resources for fall prevention
Following are sites with videos of exercises you can do at home to improve your balance. All but one are completely free.
What exercises can help you prevent a fall.
More from NCOA – Six short animated videos for leg strength and improving balance.
This project began during the pandemic and has some good video instruction from a highly experienced physical therapist who is also a nationwide expert in fall prevention.
From the Arthritis Foundation, this short video shows 3 different levels of challenge with paper cups on the floor.
From YouTube’s Dr. Jo – Here you can create a free account and select from many exercises recommended by a physical therapist to compile your own personal regimen. And you can change it as often as you like!
Mobility Matters – Senior Exercise Solution
Multiple levels of balance-focused exercise videos, offered at affordable prices by a physical therapist.