Top 5 Tip to Prevent Falls From an OT & Gerontologist!

Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults and the number of individuals who fall increases exponentially with each decade after the age of 65. Fortunately, there are many steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of falls.

Here are the top 5 tips to help prevent falls from Mandy Shintani, Occupational Therapist & Gerontologist and Founder of Urban Poling:

1. Ensure you use supportive shoes for outdoor and indoor use instead of slippers. Instead of using slippers, buy a supportive slip-on shoe meant for outdoor use but keep it only for indoor use. As a fellow gerontologist said they are called slippers for a reason! 
2. One of the most common reasons, people slip is that they shuffle, ensure to bend your knees, and lift your feet off the ground when walking.
3. People tend to be more careful when they are outside of their homes but really most falls occur in your home or near your home. So, plant your feet carefully when you are getting your mail or walking to your car.
4. Keep a clear pathway for you to get to the bathroom. Slow and steady wins the race on the way to the bathroom at night.
5. Use ACTIVATOR® Poles!  Research supports factors related to fall prevention such as improved balance, core strength, and posture

The 4 points of contact provided when walking with ACTIVATOR® Poles promotes balance and confidence with every step. The added stability of poles while you do exercise allows you to feel confident in your movements and motivates you to be persistent in your regimen. Pushing down into the ledge of the CoreGrip handles fosters an upright posture while engaging the upper body.

Learn a ton of ideas on fall prevention strategies through our webinar below narrowed by Mandy Shintani, OT & Gerontologist: https://urbanpoling.com/live-webinar-factors-related-to-fall-prevention/