Injury Matters has launched the Stay On Your Feet® Improve Your Health campaign across Western Australia. Improve Your Health encourages older adults to prevent falls and support healthy ageing through managing their medications, keeping a healthy mind, and fuelling their bodies.
Check Your Medicines
Managing your medicines is an important part of staying healthy and independent. It is common to need more medication later in life, but side effects and interactions can increase the risk of falls.
Medicines, or medications, include those you get from your doctor, over the counter or natural, such as vitamins and supplements.
All medicines can cause side effects. When you take more than one medication, the side effects can be worse. Some side effects, such as feeling dizzy, tired, or unsteady, can increase the risk of falls.
Have your medicines reviewed every year and ask your GP or pharmacist to explain the side effects.
Keep A Healthy Mind
Keeping a healthy mind is important at every age. Like your muscles, your brain stays healthy when you keep it active. Keeping your brain active helps you stay alert and respond to hazards around you.
Many simple, enjoyable activities in your home and community can help you keep a healthy mind. These activities work to stimulate your brain and improve your mental fitness.
Challenge your brain often by doing puzzles, home repairs, reading, or trying a new activity. Joining a social group or spending time with grandkids are also great ways to keep a healthy mind and help prevent falls.
Good hearing is also important for keeping a healthy mind. Have your hearing checked every year and ask your audiologist to explain the results.
Fuel Your Body
Eating regular meals from a variety of the five food groups gives us the nutrients, vitamins, and energy to stay strong and active. Foods rich in calcium, protein, and vitamin D, including leafy green vegetables, dairy, and fish, help keep your muscles and bones strong. Aim for 5-6 servings of vegetables daily and include a mix of colours and varieties.
Being aware of alcohol and its effects is important to lower the risk of harm and injury. Our bodies become more sensitive to alcohol as we age. We may feel the effects sooner, even from smaller amounts. Alcohol affects your alertness, reaction time, balance, and coordination, increasing the risk of a fall. Reducing your alcohol intake helps you to stay alert and maintain coordination.
Drinking water keeps us healthy and hydrated, especially during the warmer months and when being active. It helps us feel energised and able to do the activities we enjoy.
As we age, our sense of thirst can be hard to notice, and we may not realise when our body needs water. Not drinking enough water can make us feel dizzy, tired, and confused, increasing the risk of a fall.
Keeping your bladder and bowel healthy can help prevent incontinence. Speak to your GP if you avoid drinking water because of incontinence, or if you notice any changes to your bowel and bladder health.
Falls are preventable!
Visit www.stayonyourfeet.com.au for more information, free resources, and to find out about upcoming Improve Your Health campaign events.
