Ways Older Adults Can Reduce Falls
Eye Can See Clearly Now
Everyone's vision changes with age. As you get older, the ability to see clearly can reduce your risk of a fall. Conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma can affect your perception or make it difficult to see obstacles in your path.
Let your eyes adjust to new lighting
- Before getting up or walking, take a moment and adjust to different lighting.
- Remove sunglasses when entering a building. Take a few minutes to adjust your eyes.
Maximize your vision
- If you have eyeglasses, wear them.
- Clean your eyeglasses daily.
- Have scratches removed at an eye glass store.
- Wear the right eyewear while walking. Reading glasses are for reading, and can hinder your ability to see hazards when walking.
- Use sunglasses with ultra-violet (UV) protection on bright days during the summer and winter, to reduce glare outside.
- Keep your line of vision clear. Do not carry anything that may block your vision.
Get your eyes checked at least once a year by an eye doctor.
- Schedule it around your birthday to help you remember.
- Get new glasses or prescription if that is recommended.
Make lightening a solution
Good lighting improves vision and balance. Simple changes to your home can help brighten your way.
- Install an overhead light or sensor/motion light that turns on and off automatically.
- Light the path from the garage to your home.
- Install adequate lighting throughout the home.
- Turn on the lights when you enter your home at night.
- Put light switches at all doors and at the top and bottom of stairways to see every step.
- Consider having "glow switches" installed, that can be seen in the dark.
- Light up your pathway to the bathroom, hallway and bedroom with night lights.
- Reduce glare by using frosted bulbs, indirect lighting, and/or shades or globes.
- Replace burnt out bulbs promptly. If you need help, have a friend or family member change the light bulb.
- Use the brightest bulb approved for each lamp or fixture.
- Use new style bulbs that are energy-efficient and last longer.
Learn More
- Learn more about eye health by contacting the National Eye Institute (NEI), visit www.nei.nih.gov or call 301-496-5248
- Contact Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired at http://www.wcblind.org
