Keeping your feet in later life
It’s autumn, season of mists, mellowness … and slippery paths.
So, a good time for action to reduce your risk of slips, trips, and stumbles. In Scotland, more than 18,000 older people are admitted to hospital annually because of them. But there are steps you can take to stay as strong and steady as possible, and to make recovery more likely if you have an accident.
Think Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps keep your muscles and bones healthy. Some foods, such as eggs, oily fish, and soya, are high in it, but sunlight also triggers our bodies to make Vitamin D, and that’s our best source. Between October and March there’s too little sunlight in Scotland to meet our Vitamin D needs, so the NHS advises adults take a daily 10 microgram supplement. For some people, including those who are housebound or have darker skin, this is recommended all year-round. Vitamin D supplements are inexpensive and widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets.]
2. Healthy living
Eating well and being physically active are good for health generally, and both also help keep you strong and steady. Calcium-rich foods such as dairy, nuts, and leafy greens strengthen bones. Ensuring you drink enough fluid (ideally water) will make dizzy spells less likely. And balance and lower body strength exercises, done two or three times a week alongside regular walking, will help keep on your feet. Adopting healthier routines can be difficult to do alone, so join a supportive club or group to boost your chance of success. Call the Age Scotland helpline to find out what’s available near you – 0800 12 44 222.
3. Love your feet, eyes and ears
Get to know and take care of your feet. Well-tended feet in well-fitting footwear are more likely to do their job – keeping you upright. Similarly, keep up to date with appointments for your sight and hearing as both are essential for avoiding trips, slips and falls.
4. Declutter with a friend
Having a friend or family member look at your home with fresh eyes can help you spot trip hazards and decluttering together can make it social and fun.
Our new Keeping your feet in later life advice guide expands on these tips to help you stay confident and steady on your feet. If you have recently fallen or had a close call, its partner guide Worried about slips, trips and stumbles offers additional advice on staying safe, getting back up, and support available from health services to keep you on your feet.
