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Share your tips for avoiding trips and falls as you get older - £300 voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

(237 Posts)
JustineBGransnet (GNHQ) Tue 13-Dec-16 11:19:05

Have you found that it’s easier to lose your balance as you get older? If you have, do you find yourself being more cautious or taking precautions to avoid trips or falls? Maybe you’re more choosy about your footwear, or take more care when you’re climbing stairs? BMI Healthcare would like to hear about the tips you have for avoiding trips and falls as you get older.

Here’s what BMI Healthcare have to say: “We often create leaflets and information to give out to our orthopaedic and physiotherapy patients and to publish on the web for everyone to read. Often it can be quite generic and not really relevant to most activities that people do. We'd really like to understand how joint and bone pain affects your everyday life, especially if it puts you off balance and if you feel more unsteady on your feet. From what we learn, we can continue to tailor our information to make it more useful for everyone. Thank you for your help. You can view some of the information we already have available here.”

All those who leave a comment below sharing a tip will be entered into a prize draw where one GNer will win a £300 voucher for a store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

GNHQ

Misslayed Sat 24-Dec-16 09:01:16

I always have bare feet in the house, no slipper trippers for me (but we do have underfloor heating)

downingarms Sat 24-Dec-16 09:27:37

Wear decent quality boots or shoes which will give you a better grip particularly on slippery surfaces.

muppet150 Sat 24-Dec-16 09:59:30

Don't rush and take your time. Keep floors clear of and hazards and be extra vigilant if you have pets. I've definitely had a few near misses when I've turned around to find the cats st my feet!

falconer Sat 24-Dec-16 10:01:38

Be aware a tall times.

peterhall Sat 24-Dec-16 11:14:02

Moving slower generally and also always keeping an eye out for trip hazards

jt75 Sat 24-Dec-16 11:22:26

Take care with mats and rugs. They are easily tripped over. Best not to have them.

happysouls Sat 24-Dec-16 11:46:03

I've ditched the slippers as they were always a problem for me! I wear comfy but well fitted boots around the house which are great! I'm alot more careful than I used to be as well, slowing down and trying not to get distracted! I like to keep pretty active. My Grandad who is now 100 was still going for short walks 3 times a day until about 98, got to keep on moving and keep that body working as long as possible!

Angelwings Sat 24-Dec-16 11:49:24

Slow down so you gave time to think. Keep active and this will help keep muscles strong. Get your eyes tested regularly. Wear shoes that fit, stay on your feet and feel comfortable. Hold someone's arm when out and about. Stand up slowly when you have been sitting for a while.

finleypop Sat 24-Dec-16 13:37:42

removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet

vonniebab2 Sat 24-Dec-16 13:57:28

Always hold the bannister when climbing up and down stairs, wear good quality slippers and shoes. When on the buses never leave your seat till the bus has completely stopped.

naomi007 Sat 24-Dec-16 14:27:20

Keeping as fit, supple and active as possible makes the likelihood of falling lower. And also taking extra care when going down steps. Allowing plenty of time to get to appointments so as not to have to rush places helps too.

feefeegabor Sat 24-Dec-16 14:34:37

I always wear flat shoes which grip and, to be honest, I hang off of my daughter's arm most of the time!

sallyh Sat 24-Dec-16 14:56:46

Wear comfy flat shoes.

devito92 Sat 24-Dec-16 15:02:36

get help to do things that you're unable to do safely on your own

sophie56 Sat 24-Dec-16 15:19:01

Make sure all footwear fits properly. Keep the floors clear of clutter. Put the lights on when the light is low. Do balance exercises and try to keep generally flexible.

dogsmother Sat 24-Dec-16 15:29:55

Good lighting, well fitting shoes or slippers. Heels or not.
Keep fit to and walk as much as you can to keep fit and take the stairs as often as you can ?

beckyinman Sat 24-Dec-16 16:02:00

Socks with rubber on the bottom so I don't slip on the laminate flooring

Hannahpp Sat 24-Dec-16 16:45:55

I find that I have to concentrate more on the job in hand to avoid mishaps as this avoids a lot of potential trips,
Sensible shoes have become a must and using handrails where available smile

Flowerpower22 Sat 24-Dec-16 17:37:12

It is really important to maintain strength in your arms and legs so that you have a good sense of balance as you get older. I am 55 and have been doing yoga for 25 years - I swear by it for keeping me strong.

jdixon1 Sat 24-Dec-16 18:12:24

Watch where you put things ! - I put the bin lid on some laminate and didn't see it, skidded across the kitchen and broke my leg !

Always very careful now grin)

busybee6969 Sat 24-Dec-16 18:50:57

leave nothing on the stairs.shut kitchen cupboard doors straight away,wipe any spills on floor right away,dont have too long trousers/pjs trip hazard.put things away dont leave things on the floor.

angela121262 Sat 24-Dec-16 19:02:19

When using stairs always hold the hand rails, be careful of steps and buy appropriate foot ware

alabaster Sat 24-Dec-16 19:18:07

Keep active as you age. Walking strengthens the leg muscles which aids balance.

spottypjs Sat 24-Dec-16 20:06:50

Try to walk arm in arm with someone else - works well for me

glennamy Sat 24-Dec-16 20:57:54

I've started walking with a stick which is great for balance! smile