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Keep hydrated, because it is easy to become tired if not enough fluid is drunk,and tiredness could make it more likely that you will fall/trip.

I used to trip and fall, especially on pavements, but have found that since I took up Yoga, my balance has improved immensely and even if I trip, I manage to stay up and prevent myself from going headlong onto the pavement. Try it, it's very helpful.

Take your time, there's no need to rush, less haste more speed

Since retiring we have made it our mission to turn our once, bustling family home into a safe, haven of peace for OAPs. It has taken about three years as time and money have allowed but I think the effort has been worthwhile. A room at a time we identified problems, often to do with clutter or things out of reach and resolved as many as we could then redecorated getting rid of all wallpaper, fitted new low pile carpets or easy clean vinyl or laminate and removed or replaced furniture. We now have a light, bright, almost clutter-free and easy to look after home where hopefully we will be able to safely stay for many more years. The only clutter being shelves of books in my study (all within reach) and hell would have to freeze over before I could bear to part with my lifetime collection!

I was always very confident about walking and walked very fast. Three weeks before my 70th birthday just before this Christmas my foot went from under me when hurrying to the supermarket. I think it was black ice. I was on the pavement with my head bleeding and I did feel old. Anyway got checked out and everything was OK but since then I feel a lot of my confidence has gone. People have reassured me that it could have happened to a younger person but I now walk much more slowly, watching out for slippery pavements and uneven paving slabs. I think falling down was a wake up call to go more slowly.

I go to yoga classes once a week and we do poses where we practice balancing. It is incredibly difficult, especially with your eyes shut, and I often put a toe onto the floor, nevertheless i feel it gives me more stability when walking. I try not to go out in icy weather so I can to avoid slipping, as I live off a steep hill. After three operations for a detached retina I found that my vision had changed and I find going down stairs a challenge. I always hold onto the handrail now.

I went to a shop that dealt in goods for people who needed extra help in their daily lives. I bought two grabbers to pick things that had fallen on the floor and a kneeling mat. The mat has help me keep my balance getting into my bath, and the grabbers allow me to keep my balnce as I don't have to bend down and pick up various objects that I've dropped, or have been left on the floor.

Steady and secure rather than rushing. Also care with slippers catching and mat hazards. Also use hand rails whenever needed.

wear non slip slippers or shoes around the house not just socks

I have had problems with vertigo and therefore balance. I find that my balance has improved with going to Pilates classes. Pilates was recommended for some back problems, my core strength has improved and I find that it is easier to lift items now and my balance is improving. So I am less likely to fall. Its a win win situation.The ladies in my Pilates class vary from their 20's to their 80's and everybody works to their own level.
I find that as I get older I tend to do more risk assessments without thinking. So I am more cautious when its wet or icy outside. If using steps especially outside I use the handrail. I also wear varifocals and can confirm this does cause visual problems if you look downwards at the steps. Use the rail and look ahead. `
I would also recommend keeping as fit as possible with walking and swimming and any other sports you like. Sitting around for too long is not good for you and you may find your legs have "gone to sleep". if you are watching TV make sure you stand up in the ad breaks.

ensure good lighting, we leave a light on for nighttime visits to the bathroom , and no rugs around the loo, despite fathers protests, very common to have blood pressure dips during the night

Walking sticks are a great asset, they help with support and balance, a stick can give that extra bit of security when out walking.

I had a ear op which as left me off balance most of the time I find it worst whenever I have got a cold so I don't rush now for anything because if I do I just swerve to the side or go dizzy and wearing a good grip on my shoes does help a lot.

Tips to avoid falls;
1. Make sure there are no toys or objects in the way of your path to avoid tripping over.
2. Have regular eye checks to ensure your glasses if you wear glasses are up to date.
3. Wear sensible shoes with good grips.

Very much in favour of removing rugs and runners; there have been a number of times I have nearly fallen. My problem is mobility issues in general, rather than age. Another big issue for me is trying to carry too much up or downstairs. I need to be able to see where I am walking and to be able to hold onto the banister on at least one side of the stairs. Finally, although it sounds really simple and obvious, I try not to rush about too much - definitely some truth in the "more haste, less speed" saying.

It takes a bit longer to get up out of bed and chairs.

My joint pain doesn't affect my balance but it does affect my life. I am careful how I select footwear though so perhaps that helps. My dog trips me up more than anything! My wrists/hands/fingers cause pain & that means I have to be careful with picking things up or holding things as my grip is weak. It's easy to forget so I have hurt myself and broken things through dropping them. Remotes & phones often get dropped/flung across the floor as my grip goes or wasn't there in the first place!

Hand rails may not all look great, but we wish we'd had them put in BEFORE a very nasty tumble - not after.

I have those socks with the grips underneath rather than slippers as I find most slippers quite smooth on the bottom with no grip

Keep up the yoga! At least when you fall, you usually bounce and don't break! Walk don't run. Just went full length after missing pavement edge while dashing around!

My mother fell trying to open a stiff drawer. When it finally gave way it took her unawares and she fell backwards hitting her head, so make sure drawers open smoothly - rub soap on the runners.
We also removed all her rugs - which she didn't like but we did it anyway as she had good carpet underneath. The rugs were old and had curly corners.
We encouraged her to leave lights on which again she didn't like as she saw it as wasted electricity but especially in the night when she had to use the bathroom it was good to know she could see better as her sight was not 100%. Woke us all up doing this but never mind!!

Remove all rugs with edges - and make sure if you wear open toed shoes that you pick your feet up properly or you can catch the edge!
Do not have extension leads/wires anywhere on the floor.
Always pick up any type of paper or plastic that is in the footway
make sure any decking wood is treated with oil NOT paint as it flakes off - or a grip tape that is properly put down
Do not over reach for ANYTHING
Do not bathe if you are alone in the house and unsteady
Do not wear flappy wide leg trousers as you can catch your feet in them on stairs.

Stay safe!

I use Joseph Joseph chopping boards which are coloured for different uses,once used,before putting them in the dishwasher,I spray them and the surrounding area with anti bacterial spray.I try not to get too hung up though as I'm sure that we're creating more allergies by becoming more sterile in the home,you need to have some germs to build immunitity .

Are you on the correct thread Karen ??

Avoid having obvious trip hazards at home, rugs, piles of newspapers, things sitting on the stairs. Try to do one thing at a time, multitasking is so much in my nature but I've tripped before now when my mind was in one place while my feet were going in a different direction altogether! Outdoors swallow your pride and use a stick or whatever else you need in order to stay safeif you need to, see walking aids as friends not enemies.