Easy steps to avoid a fall

Falling is one of the most pervasive avoidable accidents in people over the age of 50.

Here are some easy things you can do, TODAY, to help reduce your risk of falling.

1. Go see a physical therapist. A PT will be able to assess your risk of falling, and give you some exercises to perform that might help with your specific balance deficits.

2. Non-slip. Make sure your bathroom, bathtub, and kitchen all have non-slip pads.

3. Wear shoes. Wearing socks on a hardwood floor is a great way to slip and fall!

4. Single story home. If possible, live on a single story- this will reduce the risk of falling on the stairs.

5. Remove tripping hazards! This includes wires, throw rugs, lose floor boards and other hazards around the house.

6. Grab bars in the bathroom. Install handrails on stairs and grab bars in the bathroom so that you don't have to compromise your safety for independence.

7. Night lights. Late night trips to the restroom are a great opportunity for falls. If you can, program your night lights to turn on by motion sensor, or leave a light on dim in the hallway.

8. Declutter! Marie Kondo says: "The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life." Maybe now is the time to downsize; get rid of all those stacks of newspapers threatening to topple over in your living room. Take the mail off the dining room table so you can enjoy your dining room table with guests. Getting rid of too much stuff with also decrease your risk of falling!