We all want to live at home for as long as possible. But when you get older, you realise you don’t have the body you had when you were 16. You are more likely to fall from time to time. You can often avoid a fall just by paying attention to a few simple things. Nobi’s fall prevention expert Ann Van Wesenbeeck has been helping elderly people mitigate the impact of a fall and prevent falls for years. She offers 5 tips that can help everyone.

1. Believe in yourself.

You can do more than you think to avoid falls. That thought alone empowers you to stroll through life more confidently.

2. Move more, sit less.

A body that moves regularly can maintain better balance and motor control. You don’t have to force anything to get results. Take things step by step, and don’t give up after a relapse. Even a little exercise is better than no exercise at all. Switch things up: quietly read a book one day, iron standing up the next, and end the week with a walk, for example.

3. Acknowledge that you are afraid of falling, but don’t live in fear.

From a certain age, people are afraid of falling. There’s no need to be ashamed of that. But the problem is clear: if you are afraid of falling, you will move less. As a result, your muscle strength and balance decrease, leading to an increased risk of falling. Try to break that vicious cycle by acknowledging this fear and talking about it with other people. That way, you motivate others.

4. Say no to sleeping pills.

Sleep without sleeping aids as frequently as possible. It sounds easier said than done, but if you can, you should stop taking sleeping pills as they increase the risk of falling.

5. Live smarter at home.

Sometimes, it’s the little things. Wear sturdy slippers around the house that give you more grip. Clean the lenses of your glasses regularly. Make sure the corners of the carpet do not curl up. Rearrange furniture or other objects you easily bump into. You can reduce the risk of falling by paying more attention to details and smartly designing your living environment.

These tips will help you stroll through life more safely and confidently. You can never completely rule out the chance of falling, but smart technology like Nobi can make a difference if you do fall. It immediately calls for help. The combination of living more consciously, taking precautions and knowing that someone is always there to help you will allow you to live independently for longer.