Lower your risk of falling as you get older with these simple steps Boston 25 News [Video]

One in four older adults in the U.S. will fall each year, putting them at risk of injury, broken bones and even death.

Falls are a growing public health concern as the country’s population sees record numbers of people turn 65 — now and in the future. But common as falls may be, they are not inevitable.

“The more work we do, the more we realize that that healthy aging doesn’t have to include falling,” said Cara McDermott, who researches falls at Duke University School of Medicine.

Here are some recommendations on how to reduce your risk of falling.

Fall-proof your home

Start with how your house is set up: Consider removing small area rugs, change out dim lighting and don’t put pots and pans in hard-to-reach places.

Then, aim for providing extra stability in places where its easier to lose your balance. Install railings on both sides of the stairs, a grab bar in a bathroom and no-slip …