​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It is common to try and do many things at once, be distracted, or be in a hurry.

But when you are not paying attention, you are less likely to notice what is going on around you, which puts you at higher risk of falling.

Focus to prevent falls

Follow these tips to focus your attention and prevent falls:

• Keep your head up when you walk. Scan the area just ahead of you. Avoid looking only at your feet.
• Look for hazards. Watch out for cracks in the sidewalk, other people, mailboxes, pets, and ice.
• Pay careful attention when you are in a new place.
• Plan the best time to do things, for example:
  • ​​Take your garbage out in the daytime when it’s easier to see.
  • ​Plan outdoor travel when the weather is good.
• ​​​​Make sure your clothes are comfortable and do not drag on the ground.
  
• Wear supportive shoes.
• Let the phone ring and don’t rush to answer it. Let people leave a message or call you back. Having a cordless phone or cell phone near you can be helpful.
• Let people wait if you are not ready. Your friends and family do not want to see you fall because you rushed.
• Pay close attention to the things you do a lot.