Falling is the leading cause of injury to older adults in the United States. Each year around 11 million people over the age of 65 suffer injuries relating to a fall and spend roughly $20 billion in medical treatment.

Falling can result in such injuries as broken bones, feelings of depression and embarrassment, dislocating joints, bruises and even death. Many seniors never fully recover from their injuries and eventually lose their independence.

But falling and the injuries that follow can be prevented with the help of a few easy tips.

1. Exercise! Exercising can improve balance and coordination while also strengthening muscles.
2. With more than half of all falls occurring at home, make your home safer. Try removing clutter from the floor and high traffic areas, using double sided tape to secure rugs and installing grab bars near staircases and in the bathroom.
3. Avoid excess alcohol which can impair motor functions and coordination.
4. Eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D. These supplements are essential for bone health.
5. Wear properly fitting shoes with no-skid soles. Throw out slippers that have been stretched out too much and always tie your shoe laces.
6. Talk to your health care provider about the medications you take. Even things like cold medicine and herbal teas can interfere with the way our medications react in our bodies.
7. Get your eyes checked regularly. Impaired vision is a leading cause of falling.

These are all easy and quick steps that we can all take to keep ourselves and our senior a little safer. Also, simply being aware of one's surroundings and always asking for help when needed can prevent unnecessary injuries due to falling.