1. Have a good supportive pillow (perhaps a water pillow) to support your neck vertebrae. Sometimes a low pillow will let the spine become an unsupported arch, sagging under its own weight, allowing vertebrae to rub against each other. The first symptom will usually be neck pain on waking.
Learn to lift heavy objects properly, bending your knees so that you use the strength of your legs and do not strain your back. A major reason for small fractures of the spine associated with osteoporosis is unnecessary bending from the waist.
Remember simple tools like long-handled shoe horns to minimize awkward bending.
All small rugs and carpet edges should be secured down to the floor.
Floors should not be highly polished.
Wipe up all spills from kitchen and bathroom floors immediately.
Make sure electrical wires are not trailing across rooms where they could be tripped over.
When buying slippers, choose those with soles that grip well for a firm footing.
If children are in the house, be careful of toys left on the floor.
Install grab bars on the side of the bath or beside the shower, to ease getting in and out.
Install non-slip strips in the bottom of the bath or shower.
Install non-slip strips on indoor or outdoor steps, on stepladders and walkways.
Plug in tiny night-lights in hallways or bathrooms to avoid stumbling in the dark.
Never stand on chairs or stacks of books to reach high shelves. Have a small stepladder handy, or buy pick-up tongs from a mail-order company, for hard-to-reach items.
Water high-up house plants with a water-wand; wash second-storey windows with a hose extension.
Install rails or banisters to all stairs.
Be sure spectacles are clean, so that dust specks don’t create distractions. If a new prescription for glasses causes problems, see your opthalmologist promptly. Take extra care when wearing bifocals.
In the garden, never leave hoses or tools on the ground where they could be tripped over; hang them up when not in use.
Have good lighting on paths and driveways, and keep ice and snow cleared. Be wary of uneven or slippery kerbs.
When shopping, use a trolley for support, even if you only buying a few items
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