Table 2 — Patient Tips: How to Reduce Concerns about Falls^1,2

Acknowledge your concerns: Your concerns about falling are a rational response to a real threat to your independence, and many older adults share this concern. Being aware of your concerns about falls and how they affect your physical or emotional health is the first step in managing the fear of falling.

Explore your attitudes: Negative attitudes about aging and fall prevention, such as �exercise is dangerous at my age,� block your desire and ability to take positive steps to prevent falls. Positive thoughts, on the other hand, inspire action.

Practice, practice, practice: To gain confidence in your abilities to reduce fall risks, you will need to prove to yourself that you have the necessary skills. These skills vary depending on your unique fall risk factors. Common skills used to prevent falls include exercising regularly, communicating assertively, and finding alternatives to potentially risky behaviors.

Be a problem solver: Set goals and create action plans. Identify potential barriers to accomplishing goals and address those threats to your success. Remember that needs change over time, so re-evaluate your fall risk factors, goals, and action plans regularly.

References

1. Centers for Disease Control. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Falls among older adults: A summary of research findings. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/SummaryOfFalls.htm. Accessed April 5, 2005.

2. Centers for Disease Control. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Falls and hip fractures among older adults. Available at: www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/falls.htm. Accessed April 5, 2005.