Stepping out safely 7 6 Stepping out safely 7 simple ways to reduce your risk of falls Have your eyesight tested every year Even if you feel you don’t need it. Your optician can also check for glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Remember – it’s free for the over 60’s. 1 Avoid rushing for the toilet Especially at night. If you do find yourself getting up a lot, there is help at hand. Just have a chat with your GP, continence nurse or physiotherapist. Alternatively, you can refer yourself to your local continence clinic for advice and exercises. 2 Avoid alchohol if possible We all know that drinking alcohol leads to loss of co-ordination and unsteadiness. It can also exaggerate the effects of some medicines. All of this can significantly increase the risk of a fall, especially in older people. The best thing is to avoid alcohol altogether. 3 Choose the right shoes Wearing well-fitting shoes is really important. As we get older our feet can change shape, so those old shoes may not give you the support you need any more. Check that your slippers aren’t worn and provide plenty of grip too. 4 Wear the right clothes Avoid trailing or loose-fitting clothes that could trip you up. Check that your trouser hems aren’t too long and that any cords and ties are not left hanging. 5 Stride, don’t shuffle Some people tend to shuffle along rather than lifting their feet fully when they walk. This increases the chances of tripping up, so stride out with confidence. 6 Put your slippers on Walking on hard surfaces like wooden floors in socks or tights is never a good idea. That’s what slippers are for! 7