Slips-and-falls among elderly the focus of Sudbury conference

Preventing older adults from falling is the focus of a conference being held in Sudbury, Ont. Thursday, according to public health officials in the northeast.

The North East Local Health Integration Network is hosting its Stay on Your Feet forum, which is expected to attract about 200 community service providers.

"The research shows that almost one-in-three older adults over the age of 65 will fall every year," said co-ordinator Wendy Carew. "We know that most falls are predictable and preventable."

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Older adults can actually prevent falls by staying active, Carew said, adding that people should contact their local health unit if they want to learn how to properly get up after a fall.

"One of the most important things that an older adult can do is to stay active, to be physically active and continue to build and maintain their strength, their balance and their flexibility," she said.

On its website, the North East LHIN notes that falling is not a normal part of aging.

Aside from staying active, public health officials have also issued a number of other recommendations to help people avoid a fall, including wearing safe footwear, identifying, removing and reporting potential tripping hazards continuing to eat well.