How to prevent falls, maintain independence in older age

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Maurice Wells, 86, attends fall prevention event in Murray sponsored by health organizations.

Experts emphasize fall prevention through strength exercises, home safety checks and addressing health issues.

CDC recommends exercise, medication review, vision checks and home safety improvements to prevent falls.

MURRAY — Maurice Wells picked his way carefully across the lot at Wheeler Historic Farm on Tuesday, leaning lightly on the walker he has used for the past couple of years.

It started with a fall when he was coming home in the evening light and tripped on uneven ground. He got up, brushed himself off and figured he needed to be careful. About four months later, though, he fell in his home and a concerned relative insisted he go to the hospital to be checked out.

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