Many people aged 65 and over die every year from accidents. Many more end up disabled as a result, either temporarily or permanently. Common causes of accidental injuries among the elderly are:

* Falls – This is a much more dangerous threat to older people than they are to younger people. Balance is not as good, and it is harder to recover balance once a fall has started.

* Choking – This may happen when the size or texture of food is not suitable for the elderly. It may also occur when talking or laughing while eating.

* Fires – The elderly are more at risk from fire due to a poor sense of smell, restricted or slow mobility and less resilience to the effects of smoke and burns.

* Poisoning or Drug overdose – This may occur due to inadequate knowledge about drugs, non-compliance to prescription, or even taking other person’s drugs.

Risk factors

Some factors increase the risk of accidental injuries in older people:

* Physical changes of aging like poor eyesight, hearing and balance

* Disability due to diseases like arthritis, stroke or muscle weakness

* Mental confusion from depression, medicines, alcohol or disease

* Poor lighting at home

* Stairs, split levels and steps

* Highly waxed or polished floors, wrinkled or loose rugs and spilled liquids on floors. If you live on your own and no one knows you are hurt, it may be some time before you receive help.

Make your home safer

* Install bright lights, especially in dark corners and along stairs. Put a light switch next to your bed in case you have to get up at night.

* Use non-slip types of flooring like mat tiles, mosaic or wall-to-wall carpeting. Avoid small, loose rugs and mats.

* Avoid having too much furniture. Arrange it so that there are clear pathways to the bathroom, kitchen, doors and windows. Buy heavier chairs that    won’t slide backwards or topple over. Choose furniture that has smooth, rounded edges.

* Pause for a moment when going from well-lit areas to darker areas. This will give your eyes time to adjust to the change. Put a colored strip on the        edge of hard-to-see steps.

* Don’t trail wires or extension cords across rooms or passageways. Use ceiling or wall lights and fans instead of standing ones.

* Use a shower instead of a bathtub. Install a floor-mounted hand rail inside the shower so you have something to hold on to. Or use a plastic chair to    sit on while showering. Put up shower curtains or a shower screen to keep the rest of the bathroom floor dry.

* Buy cups with big handles for a firmer grip. Avoid boiling hot drinks and soups. Wipe off all spilled liquids at once.

* Wear non-slip rubber-soled shoes and slippers. Discard poorly fitting shoes or slippers and don’t wear high heels. Avoid trailing clothes which may trip you up. Use a walking stick if necessary, especially when moving in crowded areas.

* Don’t smoke, especially in bed.

* Never buy or use over-the-counter drugs. Consult a doctor when feeling sick.

* Never take other person’s drugs.

* Before taking a drug, check carefully if it is the right one, taken at the right time, through the right route and with the right dosage.

* Never place different drugs into the same container. Empty containers should be disposed of and not to use to store other drugs.

* Before a meal, chop food into small pieces. During a meal, chew thoroughly before swallowing. Do not talk or laugh during chewing or swallowing food.

* Ensure the set of denture is in its fixed position and not loose.

* Be more cautious when taking soft and sticky food.

* Make friends with your neighbors and arrange a signal for emergencies.