As people age, their muscles and bones can weaken, balance can be affected, and certain medications and medical conditions can make falling and fractures more likely.
Senior citizens who are also more prone to diseases like osteoporosis are more susceptible to experiencing a fall.
Bone fractures in senior citizens are not only traumatic but can lead to more serious problems later on.
You can decrease the probability of falling by following some simple guidelines.
Falling rarely just happens, but rather results from multiple causes that occur over time.
Senior citizens and their caregivers should consider the factors that contribute to falls and take the appropriate precautions to prevent them.
Preventive Measures

• You can ask your doctor to perform a bone mineral density test that measures bone strength.
  Some medications can increase bone strength which can prevent likelihood for falling.
  
• You can take part in healthy amounts of physical activity which will improve balance, muscle tone, joint flexibility, or even slow osteoporosis.
  
• Test your vision and hearing since defects in sensory functioning can make you less stable overall.
  
• Be aware of the side effects of your medications which can affect balance and coordination.
  
• Limit the amount of alcohol consumed which can also affect balance and coordination.
  
• Keeping your house at a comfortable temperature will prevent you from becoming dizzy.
  
• Use a cane or walking stick if needed, and always be careful when walking on unstable or slippery surfaces
• Wear the right footwear that has rubber soles or low heels that will help keep you stable on your feet
• Hold the handrails when going up and down stairs and only hold items in one hand so that you can keep a hand on the rail at all times
• Use your judgment - stay away from situations that could cause a fall, like a freshly washed floor, trying to reach something that is too high - you can purchase special grapping tools to assist in tasks that involve more exertion
• Research home monitoring systems that will allow for access to help after experiencing a fracture

Tips to Create a Safe Environment

• Be sure that there is good lighting with light switch access both at the top and bottom of staircases.
  
• Keep areas where you walk clear.
  
• Be sure that carpets are firmly fixed to the floor or apply no-slip strips to slippier surfaces like wood and tile.
  
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs or inside the bathroom.
  
• Place non-skid mats and strips on surfaces that get wet within the bathroom.
  
• Keep night lights for easy navigation in the dark in hallways, near the bed, and in the bathroom.
  
• Keep a telephone near the bed.
  
• Keep electric cords and wires near the wall and out of paths of travel.
  
• Tack down carpets and rugs firmly to the floor.
  
• Arrange furniture for easy walking around living spaces.
  
• Make sure that sofas and chairs are at a good height for access.