Health Tip: Reduce Your Risk of Falling

(HealthDay News) -- Elderly people may be at greater risk of falling, but there are things seniors can do to help reduce their risk of taking a spill.

The Cleveland Clinic offers these suggestions:

• Keep at least one hand free while walking. Use a backpack or fanny pack to carry things when possible.

• While you walk, swing your arms from front to back and carefully lift your feet completely off the ground with each stride.

• Make a wide arc when turning, rather than trying to turn sharply.

• Avoid doing other things while you walk.

• When standing, keep your feet shoulder-width apart; when changing positions, move slowly and pay attention to your movements.