The idea of falling is so conceptually perfect that we apply it to even our most
personal of relationships: "falling" in love implies an absolute inability to control the directional pull of our emotions. We. Are. Falling. Only our good judgment, sometimes suspended during a fall, can ensure a soft emotional landing.

When it comes to actual falls to the floor, however, older Americans can take
control beforehand to lessen their own chances of, uh, hitting bottom.

One in three Americans over the age of 65 falls each year; the dangers of a fall
should not be underestimated. With increasing number of older adults, and even
more of the “oldest-old” (those over 85), the number of falls has increased
dramatically over the past decade, as have death rates from such falls. Hip
fractures are a major cause of loss of physical independence.

People aged 75 and above are 4-5 times more likely to need long-term care if they
experience a fall. What is it that leads to falls, and what can be done to
prevent them?

The keys to fall avoidance speak to the causes themselves:

• Be Active. Physical exercise helps with leg strength and balance, two key factors
  in hindering falls. Physical conditioning can improve at any age. Never stop
  moving. Walk. Take a balance class designed for older people. Weight-bearing
  activity also strengthens bones.
• Be Strong. Women, especially, should maintain upper body strength, as this can be crucial in softening a landing and getting back up. Many older women do not
  have the physical strength to push themselves upright after a fall.
• Be Aware. Know what medications you take, and if they cause dizziness.
• Be Brave. Ironically, being afraid of a fall (feeling anxious) increases the
  likelihood of falling, as people in this category are less likely to be
  active, thus diminishing leg strength and, often, social interaction as well. A
  more tentative body style may also increase fragility and hinder reflexes.
• Listen to your feet. Wear good shoes that encourage full foot contact: nerves in your feet communicate balance issues to your brain. They are talking about you.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom. The area rug is not your friend.
• See Clearly. Make sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date, and glasses are
  clean. On a more personal note, do not run full speed to the phone while
  wearing your reading glasses. You can’t see with them, and slippery saltillo
  tile is a tough customer. It’s only a phone solicitor, anyway.

If you fall and are not injured, tell your doctor. It could indicate a concern
with blood pressure (lying or standing), or another underlying issue.

Know this: do not be ashamed or embarrassed if you fall. This is what happens. You didn't do anything wrong.

About those romantic falls: a broken heart hurts, too. I recommend a non-stop series
of feature films with Paul Newman, Cary Grant, Paul Newman, Gregory Peck, and
Paul Newman. Unplug the phone, clean your glasses, and settle in.