I’ve been lucky. I’ve taken at least three falls during which I could have been hurt and wasn’t. So it’s made me aware of the tripping hazards all around me. That’s why I’m sharing some tips to help avoid a trip and fall.

Look down

I walk outdoors regularly with a group of women and I am always looking down for tripping hazards. Uneven pavement of any kind is a constant concern. So watch where you’re walking. Not long ago I was in a hotel restroom in Venice and somehow tripped over a marble step. I was not paying enough attention to where I was walking.

It was my most recent fall and resulted in only a bruised knee.

Cords

The scenario in the photo happened to me years ago. It was my first big fall. I’d left various electronics plugged in and the cords were not neatly organized. Down I went. I was lucky to be unhurt.

The dangers of throw rugs

It’s easy to trip over a throw rug, even if it’s got a rubber backing. Since our dog has occasional accidents, we do cover our hallway with rubber backed potty pads. Even though we know they are a danger. That’s why we look down.

Hazardous clutter

My first fall was over clutter in my office. Boxes and things in the way. Now I’m sure to clear a path in any storage area or any room to avoid falling.

Children’s toys

If you care for or visit your grandkids, you know all about this. Watch where you’re walking!

Illuminate walkways & nightlights

Night can hide all sorts of risks. I always notice when a pathway or sidewalk isn’t lit up. In fact, I exited a home the other night and couldn’t see my footing. So I try to make sure there’s plenty of light on mine. Or use the flashlight on my phone to make sure I know where my foot is landing.

Stepstools and ladders

Once in a while I’ll get on a stepstool when I’m alone, but no higher than the first step. At this age my balance is not what it once was and I’m not going to pretend it is. I’m going to stay safe.

Sheets, dust ruffles and bedspreads

If you don’t fold hospital corners, it’s easy to trip on long sheets, spreads or even dust ruffles. We don’t ordinarily consider them hazards, but they can be.

Take care with your footing

Too many friends have fallen and hurt knees, hips, lets, elbows, arms–and even their heads. So I try to remember to take care with my footing to avoid a trip and fall. It’s something that rarely occurred to me when I was younger, but now I know better. I have to admit that I drag a foot more now than I did when I was younger. “Lift and push,” my husband reminds us.

Those are just a few of the cautions so important to help avoid a trip and fall in our older years. Got any of your own? Would love you to share in the comments, below.