Paying attention is important, but being afraid of falling can be a problem.

Fear of falling can lower your quality of life and stop you from:

• doing the activities you enjoy
• getting out and seeing your friends
• being active. If you do less, your legs will become weaker and your reaction time will get slower. You will then be at greater risk of falling.

Take Action

• Be aware of your own attitudes and concerns about falling. For example, do you think you could ever slip, trip or fall?
• Be a positive thinker. Know you can do things to prevent a fall.
• Be a problem-solver. Find ways to do things without taking a lot of risks.
• Have a plan for getting help if you need it. Consider using an emergency medical alert device, especially if you live alone.
• Talk to your healthcare provider to see how you can stay active. Let them know if you find it hard to get outside and do your usual things. (See Staying Active)
• Find out how to gain confidence doing your daily activities.
• Remove hazards from your home. (See Be "Falls Smart"​ at Home​)
• Identify your risk factors and know your limits. Reduce your risks as much as possible. Change the way you do things or use equipment to make tasks easier.
• Keep in touch with friends and family. See them often.
• Practice getting up from the floor when someone is around who can help you.

To learn more about your risk of falling complete the “Is there a chance you might fall?” checklist.