Preventing falls: Interventions to reduce fall risk by Mike Siemens, MS

In our youth, we walk, run, jump and skip effortlessly. Navigating stairs, obstacles and slippery surfaces are a welcome challenge. Our brain, nervous system and muscles work in remarkable harmony to guide us safely through almost any terrain we choose to conquer. As we age, a constellation of factors conspire to challenge our balance and coordination. Simply put, if we want to remain confident on our feet and do our best to avoid falls, training, practice and attention to factors that impact balance are necessary after age 50. ... [A] great deal of research has been done in the area of fall prevention and many effective strategies identified...that are proven to be effective in reducing falls by up to 67%. As health, wellness and active-aging communities, it is imperative to communicate these strategies to the general public, so we can reduce the significant impact falls have on quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at these strategies.