NEW WESTMINSTER -- For seniors, falls are very serious and all too frequent. They're the leading cause of injury in people over 65. Hip fractures can be life-threatening, and life-changing. Forty percent of residential care admissions are due to falls. So now health authorities are stepping up their efforts in fall prevention, by reaching out to seniors in the community.

To Judy Morgan, avoiding injury is very important to her.

82-year old Judy Mogan is pro-active when it comes to fall prevention. She stays fit by hiking, biking and swimming and makes sure her home is clutter free.

Judy says, "as your vision gets not so good, it's much easier not to worry about things you can fall over."

She was surprised when an uneven sidewalk tripped her up. 

Most injuries to seniors occur in the home. To prevent falls, experts say use keep things within easy reach in the kitchen, and look for tripping hazards.

Sepia Sharma, Seniors Fall and Injury Prevention Initiative at Vancouver Coastal Health, says, "make sure the rugs are lying flat and are sturdy. If they're light, chances are you might get stuck and it may be a hazard as well."

Good lighting is also important because a lot of falls occur at night. To avoid tripping up, a nightlight is a good idea.

A good diet and staying active are also very important as you age.

18 months ago, Judy broke her ankle while snowshoeing. She didn't like being confined to her home.

Judy says, "being injured also means that you're lonely, it pays to stay well."

Pets can also be a tripping hazard for seniors, putting a bell on their collars may help. For other tips, you can attend one of the four free sessions this month on fall prevention. The first one will be held tomorrow night at the Dunbar Community Centre. There will also be one in White Rock, West Vancouver and Richmond. For more information, you can call 604-873-2545 or go to www.bayshore.ca

Tuesday June 13, 2006