WEBVTT

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Many elderly people are worried
about falling and injuring themselves

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during everyday life.

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Moving about less is not a solution though:

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physical inactivity can actually
increase the risk of falling.

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It is therefore better to remain
as active as possible

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and prevent falling
with a few simple measures.

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Examples include:

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Measure 1: identify and remove
trip hazards in the home.

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A doormat or rug in the home

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can easily become a trip hazard.

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Such potential hazards
should be removed from the home,

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especially for elderly people
with poor eyesight.

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Relatives or trained specialists
can help with this.

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Measure 2: personalized exercises.

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Personally tailored exercises can help

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keep people as mobile as possible
and avoid falls.

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Elderly people can use these

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to strengthen their muscles,
improve their balance

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and build confidence 
in their own abilities, for example.

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Specialists like physiotherapists
create personalized programs

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and offer guidance
with the regular exercises.

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Measure 3: talk to a doctor
about prescribed medication.

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Many elderly people take medication daily.

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Some medication
can increase the risk of falling

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individually or in combination
with other drugs.

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People must not just stop taking
prescribed medication of their own accord.

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However, they can actively ask their doctor

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if all the medication prescribed
is really necessary

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and if interactions could occur
that increase the risk of falling.

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Measure 4: increase stability when walking.

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An unstable gait or
slippery or uneven surfaces

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can increase the risk of falling.

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If foot problems cause an unsteady gait,

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orthopedists can help
improve sure-footedness

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with measures like special insoles.

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In the case of unsafe surfaces,
such as ice in winter,

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resources like snow chains for shoes
can improve the situation.

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If the instability
is due to impaired eyesight,

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the eyes should be tested

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and the spectacle strength adjusted
if necessary.

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In short:

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Many elderly people
avoid exercise for fear of falling.

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In fact though, regular everyday exercise
reduces the risk of falls.

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To additionally reduce the risk of falling,

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elderly people can consult specialists
from the fields of

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medicine, care, physiotherapy
or occupational therapy.

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Simple measures like
new spectacles, insoles

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or doctor-approved changes to medication
can often help.