How to Avoid Falling: A Guide for Active Aging and Independence

Staying active without fear of falling.

The danger of falling increases substantially with age. This is especially true in developed countries where aging populations tend toward comfortable, inactive lifestyles.

How to Avoid Falling is a practical, non-technical guide to minimizing the occurrence of falls as well as their devastating effects.

The book recommends taking stock of one's current level of health, physical abilities, ongoing medical concerns and current medication. It covers the risk factors of falling, how to alleviate them, as well as some general practices for living a healthy life.

Exercise is key, especially walking every day. There are fitness and balance exercises that will improve health and a sense of well-being.

Fall-proofing a home is also covered, as is being aware of the best way to respond to hazardous situations such as icy or slippery conditions.

A final section describes what to do after a fall starting with how to safely get up again, regaining confidence, as well as how to choose canes and walkers.

A practical, non-technical guide to minimizing the likelihood of falling. Includes taking stock of your health and physical abilities, medical conditions and medications, risk factors, exercises, fall-proofing a house and getting up after a fall.

Library Journal

Falls are a common and serious problem for older adults. Even minor falls can result in hip fractures or other injuries that may cause permanent disability or death. A Canadian accident prevention specialist who suffered a fall at age 68, Fredrickson (now in his seventies) has compiled this slim but information-packed guide on fall prevention. Among the topics covered are assessing health and environmental risks associated with falls; techniques for fall-proofing the home; negotiating stairs; avoiding hazardous situations like uneven sidewalks, escalators, and elevators; and what to do if a fall occurs. Physical fitness is essential to fall prevention, especially for those suffering from arthritis, Parkinson's, or osteoporosis, and Frederickson offers a program of nonstrenuous exercises to improve balance, strength, and flexibility; these are illustrated with easy-to-follow line drawings. Despite the prevalence of fall-related injuries in older people (one in three will fall each year), there are few books on this topic. J. Thomas Hutton's Preventing Falls: A Defensive Approach is written primarily for health professionals. Fredrikson's work is a highly recommended addition to senior health and fitness collections.-Karen McNally Bensing, Benjamin Rose Lib., Cleveland Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Eric Fredrikson gives accident avoidance courses for hospital and corporate clients.