Shine a light on fall prevention
Falling is especially dangerous for older adults, who may be more likely to break a bone. Making sure your home has good lighting is one of the steps you can take to avoid a tumble.
Here are some places around your home where you might want to add new overhead lights or install brighter bulbs.
WHERE GOOD LIGHTING MAY HELP
- Top and bottom of stairways.
- Each end of hallways.
- Bedrooms.
- Bathrooms (add night-lights).
Bonus tip: Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries by your bed in case the power goes out and you need to get up at night.
Sources: National Council on Aging; National Institute on Aging
Learn how balance exercises can also help keep you steady on your feet and less likely to fall.
Reviewed 5/4/2023
Sources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Keep on Your Feet." https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/older-adult-falls/index.html.
- National Council on Aging. "6 Fall Prevention Steps to Help Your Older Loved Ones." https://www.ncoa.org/article/6-falls-prevention-steps-to-help-your-older-loved-ones.
- National Institute on Aging: "Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room." https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room.