Fall Prevention After 60

In day-to-day clinic practice, the most common story is not an outdoor accident. It is an indoor slip: bathroom, kitchen, getting up at night, or missing a step. The goal of this page is to give you a practical checklist that families can actually implement.

Why homes become high risk after 60

Homes are designed for younger legs and faster reactions. As balance and vision change with age, small “normal” features become hazards.

• Slippery bathroom and kitchen floors (especially when wet)
• Poor lighting at night (bedroom to toilet route)
• Loose rugs, wires, cluttered walking paths
• No hand support near toilet or stairs
• Footwear that slips on tiles

Simple home changes that reduce fall risk

Bathroom safety

• Use anti-skid mats or textured flooring (especially near shower area)
• Install grab bars near toilet and shower
• Keep the floor dry; wipe immediately after use
• Consider a shower chair if standing balance is poor

Bedroom and living area

• Remove loose rugs or fix them firmly with anti-skid backing
• Use night lamps (bed to toilet path must be visible)
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach
• Keep the floor clear: no phone chargers or wires crossing paths

Staircase safety

• Good lighting: no dark steps, especially at night
• Handrails on both sides if possible
• Clear step edges; avoid loose mats on steps

Strength and balance matter more than age

The single most helpful concept: capacity. If leg strength and balance capacity are low, daily tasks become risky: getting up from a chair, turning quickly, stepping into the bathroom, or climbing stairs.

If you want supervised progression and safety checks, physiotherapy helps a lot: Physiotherapy at OrthoCure Thirumullaivoyal.

Medical causes of falls you should not ignore

Not every fall is “weakness.” Some falls are medical signals. If falls are repeated, unexplained, or associated with fainting, it needs evaluation.

• Low blood sugar episodes (diabetes medicines)
• Low blood pressure on standing (orthostatic hypotension)
• Heart rhythm problems (palpitations, blackouts)
• Stroke or mini-stroke warning signs
• Inner ear balance disorders or severe vertigo
• Medication side effects (sedatives, sleep tablets, some BP medicines)
• Vision issues (cataract, poor contrast vision at night)

If shoulder pain and stiffness became worse after a fall, frozen shoulder can be a secondary issue too: Frozen shoulder care.

Why falls after 60 often cause fractures

As bone density reduces with age (especially in osteoporosis), even a low-energy fall can cause a fracture. The pattern is often predictable.

• Hip fractures: major loss of mobility risk; often after a simple slip
• Wrist fractures: people instinctively put the hand out to break the fall
• Spine fractures: severe back pain after a small fall can be a clue
• Shoulder fractures: sideways falls commonly injure the shoulder

What to do immediately after a fall

• Do not rush to stand up; sit and assess first
• Check for hip/groin pain, wrist pain, shoulder pain, back pain, head injury symptoms
• If there is severe pain, deformity, dizziness, or inability to bear weight: seek help immediately
• If pain increases over 12–24 hours, or bruising appears: get evaluated

When should you see an orthopaedic doctor?

• Two or more falls in six months
• Persistent joint pain after a fall (hip, wrist, shoulder, back)
• Inability to bear weight, or walking becomes abnormal
• Known osteoporosis, or history of fragility fracture
• Recurrent near-falls (stumbling, frequent loss of balance)

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