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difficult to avoid tripping when you are older, but one thing which is important when your indoors is to make sure you have a good well fitted supportive pair of slippers!

Lots of great tips above and I'd add, just be aware that you are not as steady as you used to be and look where you're putting your feet, be aware of trip hazards around you and take extra care.

When the phone rings, don't rush to answer it. The caller will leave a message or ring back if it's important. And, speaking from experience - don't hurry downstairs in your stocking feet. I was lucky it was only the bottom step I fell off, incurring badly bruised toes and the little toe hasn't been the same since.
I know I don't need to say this - but when did that ever stop me? Don't even think about lifting anything heavy. Your back is more vulnerable than it was 30 - 40 years ago.

After having a few falls in the last 2 years ,all outside, I considered using a walking stick. But still haven't done it.
One definite 'no' for me now is using stepladders, or other ladders . Even holding on my balance isn't good.
Another balance situation is if I'm walking along a road and a vehicle comes past, I start to wobble if I watch it passing - could be lethal.

Isn't it strange that as we get older we 'have a fall' whereas when younger we just 'fell over'.

I'm am still fairly young so don't really have balance problems due to older age but as I have M.E (chronic fatigue syndrome) I find that my balance and Co ordination are frequently badly affected. I try to take things fairly slowly and have come to realise that stress has a major detrimental affect on all areas of my health including my balance. Any physical activity that keeps the mind and body active has to be a plus for everybody. I can fully appreciate how people can lose their confidence within themself after having a bad fall (is there such a thing as a good fall I wonder?). Just got to take one day at a time eh!

Lots of good advice in posts. Don't rush is so important. Not leaving things in floor to trip over. Being very careful coming down stairs especially in stocking feet.
I now find standing on a chair difficult I can't climb up so potential for an accident. If I need something high up I should take the extra time and take out the three little steps we have.

I moved to a ground floor flat as stairs were becoming a problem but I still have mobility issues.I have had a banister rail fitted along the hallway,which helps a lot.Also a half step on the outside of the door to the garden-I couldn't believe how much difference it made to getting up and down the step.Don't wear mule type or sloppy slippers,well fitting ones or a pair of pumps are best.Be careful of trip hazards,not just rugs but things that live on the floor like lamps,pet beds and magazine racks-make sure they are tucked away in corners or under furniture.If you need a walking stick,consider one with little tripod "legs" at the bottom-they don't slip on tiled or laminate floors and remain upright when you let go.There are little things you can buy such as kettle-tippers to lessen the risk of scalding.It is a good idea to research these aids as there might be a solution to your problem.Above all I would say don't rush anywhere!

Keeping fit is the best way to maintain your balance but activities which promote balance are particularly good. Yoga, pilates, Body Balance and dancing are excellent as balance is used in these activities. Riding a bike also requires balance and is good for the environment too!

Make sure you have the whole of each of your feet completely as flat as possible on the ground before you attempt to stand or walk as this allows your body to achieve the maximum balance you are capable of and ensures you are as steady as possible.

Always use the handrail going up or downstairs.

Always make sure your shoe laces are tied secure.

If you have pets, especially small ones, don't let them run around your feet. If they do, keep your eye on them. And don't leave their toys lying around. That is definitely an accident waiting to happen.

If your front door has steps, have a hand rail connected to the side of the door. It is so easy to trip up or down the steps. I know from experience ending up with a bloody nose and a black eye. I was lucky that I didn't break my nose.

If you have small children don't let them run around when you are busy doing something. If you fall over your child you could hurt yourself or, worse than that, hurt your child.

Don't carry boiling water when your children or your pets are around. If you fall either one of them could be very badly hurt. Or even yourself.

Don't walk around on the phone. Your mind is elsewhere and you aren't thinking about your children and pets.

And finally. At all times concentrate on what you are doing. Don't let your mind wander off until you have finished your task.

Excellent first post shinyredcar with great tips.
Wear decent supporting footwear and take your time. My friend had a really bad accident when rushing into the garden to get washing out of the rain because she had flipflop type sandals on.
Don't be too proud to use assistance eg sticks, walkers etc.

I always look down before moving around at home, I have 2 cats and a dog that seem intent on trying to trip me up, I also have limited mobility so being aware of my surroundings is vital, I try to keep all walkways free from random clutter. I need my hands free for balance and to grab anything available for support, I don't carry anything when using stairs, I've had several falls on the stairs so have learnt from my mistakes, good fitting slippers and shoes with grippy soles are essential !

A.ways buy and wear good well fitted footwear.

I fall a lot & find a combination of things help, flat, clear floors, shoes that really fit & give maximum contact with floor, special insoles available via GP & shoes that accommodate them. My toes wouldn't touch the floor if it wasn't for my insoles, & the toes do help with balance. Really good walking sticks/crutches with a wide base ferrule for maximum contact with floor, consider crutches if you'd hands don't grip well but crutches with a closed cuff, i.e. closed upper arm holder, so it'll stay in place if you reach for purse etc. Moving slowly, accounting for vision issues, really looking around you & accounting for what you see, not holding heavy/difficult things plus sadly, + be especially cautious with alcohol! & if you do fall, allow yourself a moment or two to catch your breath before trying to get up.

Practise makes perfect so I do balance exercises regularly - find somewhere safe so you have a wall to grab if you wobble but practise standing on one leg for as long as possible and if you get good at that try standing on one leg with your eyes closed. Pilates is good for maintaining your balance skills too as is circle dancing where you have the support of people on either side of you

I remember my mother was also tripping over rugs, so I wont have any in the house! I always find that slippers get very loose and sloppy on me, so I don't wear them now that I am older. I wear either a pair of trainers, check the sole isn't a slippy one, or a soft pair of outdoor shoes that I keep specially for indoors - no reason it has to be slippers, is there.

And a "grabber" for reaching stuff rather than overstretching and losing your balance. Or better still, ask someone else to reach for stuff for you!

Doesn't affect me really yet but I would recommend a bungalow(no stairs no high windows to maintain etc). No rugs and don't be too proud to use a stick

I need tips myself. I've had rubbish balance all my life Even at junior school I'd fall over if we had to stand in assembly for too long. At the beginning of November I turned round, tripped over one of the dogs and headbutted a corner of the kitchen counter (we MUST round that off!) on my way down. It took weeks for the head pains to stop. Par for the course with me I'm afraid.

Be very careful on stairs. I always go down backwards, much easier, and make sure I hold the rail firmly.

Never use a chair to climb up to reach anything high up. Invest in a sturdy pair of steps. My Pilates teacher has introduced a lot of balance work for us 'oldies' she reckons we must 'use it or lose it'!

Be aware of the hazards!
Think differently about life and learn to ask for help/ assistance.
Wear sensible shoes.
Never climb on chairs.
Always hold the handrail on steps and stairs.
Use a walking stick / pole for extra balance when out walking.
Remove all trip hazards and never leave things on the floor.
Use a non slip mat in the bath and shower.
Be aware of wet floors and paths.
Try not to venture out in the snow and ice.

Get rid of sloppy slippers. Keep a light pair of shoes for indoor use. Much safer

Tai Chi helps me enormously. I am 67, have had 3 tumours removed (one from my spine) 4 lots of radiotherapy, 4 lots of chemotherapy and 6 operations in the last 10 years. My balance is poor, I walk with the help of crutches as I am waiting for a further operation in January but for that one hour a week and the times at home that I practice I feel no pain, I am so "in the zone" trying to remember the moves! I think Tai Chi keeps me positive and really does help my balance.

Avoid wooden floors with rugs and invest in a decent pair of slippers with a good sole. Oh - and add plenty of tonic to the gin!