How to reduce the risk of hip injury as we get older…..

Some Key Points that you need to consider to reduce the risk of falling over are
– Having proper footwear

– Well lit hallways

– No rugs
– Handrails on the stairs

These are just some of the ways to prevent falls.

Just because you have a handrail or a well lit hallway does not mean you lose your independence.

It’s an effort to keep you out of hospital in order to maintain your independence.

So please do a yearly check on on your older relatives homes for trip hazards.

Being overweight means you’re not as agile on your feet and can’t react to a sudden change in surface.

Managing weight will help improve overall balance and coordination.

If you have osteoporosis you are more likely to have a fracture if you fall.

Therefore managing your diet is a key step in the prevention of falls and surgery.

Doing basic balance exercises on a daily basis has been shown to reduce the risk of falls in older people.

This can be done when waiting for the kettle to boil or after brushing your teeth.

Once you start the habit you should try to maintain it.

Please consult your physio before starting to do any balance exercises so they can provide a progressive plan.

Motion is lotion as they say and this is where Compass Physio plays a key role.

Regular exercise will help with weight loss, but it’s important to maintain strength and conditioning in your muscles and bones.

As we get older we can sometimes use it as an excuse not to do anymore exercise.

It doesn’t have to be much, there’re lots of simple chair exercises to maintain strong lower limbs.

Having an exercise bike or aqua aerobics are also easier on your joints.

Once you get over 50 years old, it’s important to have regular check ups with your GP who can arrange dexa scans (check for osteoporosis) and review your medication.

Your optometrist can also review your eyesight to help identify trip hazards as you walk.