Since january 1st of this year, people over 65 years old had a fall in Europe, sometimes with serious consequences.
Since january 1st of this year, people over 65 years old had a fall in Europe, sometimes with serious consequences.
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Whether our eyesight is good or bad, shadowy areas are spaces we do not correctly perceive and to which we do not pay attention, which can increase the fall risk. Shadowy areas can be found in areas where there is much coming and going such as the entrance hall or corridors. They also include dark corners and the space behind doors, along and under pieces of furniture.
These areas are responsible for falls when they are cluttered because they are used to store objects in between uses or which we seldom need (an old frame that has fallen off its hook, a tricky umbrella, a pair of shoes that needs mending, cardboard boxes to be thrown away, etc.).
>> Prefer having many sources of light (wall lamps) rather than only one (ceiling light) to reduce shadowy areas, indirect lighting being better. A better lit interior is less prone to being cluttered, which reduces fall risks.
>> Change the power of your light bulbs; prefer 75 or 100-Watts models.>> Make sure that light switches can be easily accessed, used and seen: their location can be made better visible with fluorescent stickers.
>> Remember to always turn the lights on when you are walking through your home at night. If you frequently forget to do so, install night lights: they make it easier to locate objects when you are walking at night. You may also install automatic lighting systems (movement detection) for when you need to go to the toilet during the night.
