Wellness Articles
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Proposed publication date: November 3, 2014
Content provided by: Alberta Health Services – Seniors Health
Anyone can fall – prevent it from happening to you
November is Seniors’ Falls Prevention Month
Irma Naf, an 87-year-old Calgarian who lives independently, knows the value of prevention
when it comes to avoiding falls.
Naf has neuropathy, which causes weakness and numbness in her feet, impacting her balance.
She had bars installed in her shower to provide support as she steps in and out. She also uses
a cane and occasionally takes a walker to give her confidence when she walks, especially
longer distances. Using this equipment reduces the possibility of falling and allows her to get out
regularly, meeting friends and playing cards every week.
“You can stay at home and feel sorry for yourself, or you can take some preventative steps and
get on with your life,” says Naf, who learned about preventive steps by accessing services at the
the Calgary Falls Prevention Clinic operated by Alberta Health Services.
Anyone can fall, but as we grow older, the risk increases. Falls are the leading cause of serious
injuries in older adults. Every year, one in three Alberta seniors will fall. More disturbing, if a
senior falls, there is a good chance he/she will fall again within six months. While falls may not
seem serious, they can cause physical injury and create a fear of getting up and around. Being
less mobile makes you more susceptible to falling, thus seriously diminish your quality of life.
The good news is you can take steps to prevent this from happening to you.
Entering its seventh year, the Finding Balance campaign aims to raise awareness about
seniors’ falls. The campaign promotes real life strategies for older adults to reduce their risk of
falling, including:
 Keep Active –improve strength and balance
 Watch your Step – wherever you are
 Check your Medications – talk to your doctor or pharmacist

Speak up about dizziness or any fall events you have experienced – talk to your doctor
and take action
This November, Seniors’ Falls Prevention Month focuses on the ‘Keep Active’ message.
Regular physical activity improves your balance, makes you stronger and helps prevent falls.
Even something as simple as tapping your feet and lifting each leg in a stepping motion while
sitting can maintain the joint function you need to keep moving. Talk to your doctor or health
care provider about the best exercise program for you. Your activity goal can be set especially
for you to reach at least 150 minutes of activity spread out across the week, every week.
“Being careful is the thing,” says Naf. “The most important thing is to realize that you might not
have the same balance that you used to,” she says. “And get some help to make sure you don’t
fall.”
Why not start getting active today? In partnership with UWALK, Finding Balance is hosting a
virtual trek across Alberta. The TREK challenge begins in Coutts, Alberta and finishes in
Fitzgerald, Alberta. A TREK passport explains how to join, how to count steps or convert
minutes of other activities such as swimming or dancing to steps, and where to log steps. You
can count your steps online or by calling 1-844-492-6014. To participate in the TREK or order a
passport, visit www.albertavirtualtrek.ca.
For more information about falls prevention or programs in your area, visit
www.findingbalancealberta.ca