We all know how susceptible seniors are to falling — a third of all seniors will suffer a fall each year. We also know how a serious injury from a fall can lead to a downward spiral that ends with your demise. But you do not have to be a statistic. Here are some tips to avoid suffering a fall.

First of all, try to get yourself in shape. “If you’re in better physical condition, you’re less likely to be injured,”Judy A. Stevens, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  told The New York Times.

Which means you are never too old to start an exercise program. Of course, check with your doctor first to find out what types of exercises your body can handle. Even if you are frail, there is likely to be a program for you. Just doing simple balancing exercises could mean the difference between falling or not.

There are other things you can do for your body. Studies show Vitamin D can improve muscle strength and balance, which could reduce falls. Making sure you are hydrated is also very important. Dehydration could cause dizziness, which of course could lead to a tumble.

Speaking of dizziness, there are a multitude of prescription drugs that could make you dizzy. Make sure you report this side effect to your doctor right away before it gets so bad that it causes a fall.

Making sure your eyeglass prescription is up to date is also very important. If you cannot see where you are going, eventually you will trip over something and fall down.

A medical alert system with fall protection is also a very good idea. If you happen to fall and cannot get up to call for help, your medical alert pendant will detect the fall and call the central monitoring center automatically. It is a simple device that could save your life some day.