Health Unit (SMDHU) is encouraging everyone to take proactive steps to prevent falls. Falls can pose serious health risks, but by following a few simple strategies, individuals can support healthy aging and SIMCOE MUSKOKA – This November, as part of Fall Prevention Month, the Simcoe Muskoka District reduce the likelihood and impact of falls.

While falls can happen to anyone, they can be life-altering and lead to the loss of independence when experienced by an older adult. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in Simcoe Muskoka with 22,500 emergency department visits, nearly 2,400 hospitalizations and 200 deaths due to falls in 2022.

As we age, our bodies change and one of the main challenges we face is the risk of falling.  We often think fall prevention is about removing slipping or tripping hazards like ice on a walkway, or wet floors and scatter rugs around the home. While these steps are important, many factors play a role in healthy aging including the ability to maintain or improve our health.

Taking steps to support your health and wellbeing as you age can be simple and easily included in your day. This can include:

• Participating in regular physical activity or simple exercises such as walking with friends or taking a chair yoga class can help you maintain strength, balance, flexibility and overall health, which are key to reducing your risk of a fall.
• Enjoying a variety of foods every day helps to improve mood and maintains your health so that you can do the activities you enjoy.
• Drinking more water as you age, to avoid dehydration, which can cause dizziness and bladder infections.

Being physically active, eating nutritious meals and staying hydrated can help you to have the energy to spend time with friends and family. Having meaningful and enjoyable social interactions is just as important as physical activity for your well-being.

Recently, several older adults in Simcoe Muskoka generously shared their experiences about what healthy aging means to them with the health unit. Their reflections on how physical activity, healthy eating and social connection contribute to their overall health and well-being can be seen in three videos that are available on YouTube.

For more information about healthy aging and fall prevention, visit our website or contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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