Fall-proof your home

The CDC reports that around 25% of older adults – more than 14 million — fall each year, with approximately 3 million emergency room visits and 1 million hospitalizations.

The bedroom, bathroom and stairs are top locations where falling accidents occur. Adding lighting, making sure that there aren’t “trip traps” like movable throw rugs or cords around, and adding grab bars and handrails are good steps for prevention.

Aging causes new obstacles in the way you live, but being proactive can help reduce frustration and improve safety and your quality of life. (Getty Images)

Scot Cheben, author of “Eldercare: Helping Businesses Support Employees Who Are Caregivers,” also suggests making sure that lighting is accessible from the bed and at the top and bottom of any stairs, as well as putting a whistle in the bedroom and in the shower or bathtub.

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To create a safe environment, you may even need to find a new living situation that removes stairs and has fewer hazards.

Taking classes to improve balance and strength can help prevent falls. And there are even new class offerings across the country that teach you how to fall safely.

Monitoring driving

Nobody likes to lose independence, and aging family members often fight to drive for as long as possible. But if you wait too long to stop driving, it can be dangerous for your loved ones – and others, too.

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Vision and reflex issues, getting lost, and missing or not understanding signage can all be signs that it is time to retire the car keys.

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There are quizzes and self-assessments that can help you with evaluation, like this one fromAAA.

Cheben suggests encouraging family members to do an “unannounced” test drive for evaluation.

Now that Uber, Lyft and even driverless transportation options like Waymo exist, there are more options for older Americans to retain independence without having to be in the driver’s seat (although, keep in mind the tech limitations discussed below, and find ways to assist your loved ones, such as ordering transportation for them, if they can’t do it themselves).

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Shore-up information access

While technology can help make our lives easier, for aging Americans who have memory problems, technology can become an obstacle.

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This becomes a bigger issue as many companies are directing their customer service and other functions to websites and online portals.

Make sure that you have someone that you trust with your sensitive information and financial accounts available to both help you navigate technology and make sure you are not getting scammed, as technology scams often target aging individuals.

Also, ensure that your trusted helper has access to your passwords and important information. You can do this through a legacy planning kit, like aFuture File system, which shares your information and wishes.

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Start to downsize

We Americans love our stuff, and the longer we live, the more stuff we seem to have! But also, as we age, we may need to downsize our homes or move into assisted living,

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Once we are gone, it is often a large project that loved ones must go through in terms of organizing and disposing of personal effects.

Make it a practice to do yearly or twice-yearly purges. Whether you have a yard sale, donate to charity, gift personal effects to loved ones or otherwise, this will help keep your home manageable.

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As a bonus, for anything you gift to loved ones, not only will they get to enjoy your gift sooner, but you will get to witness their enjoyment.

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To the extent that you go into a care facility, consider leaving most or all of your valuables behind, and secure any you bring with you. While there are a lot of wonderful, caring people who work in these facilities, there are also some who take advantage and prey on the elderly, particularly as people lose cognition.

While aging causes new obstacles in the way you live, being proactive can help reduce frustration and improve safety and your quality of life.

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Carol Roth is a former investment banker, entrepreneur and author of the new book “You Will Own Nothing” Broadside Books. Her previous books are “The War on Small Business” and the New York Times bestseller “The Entrepreneur Equation.”

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The incurable progressive disorder affects motor abilities and other nervous system functions, typically causing stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances.

Although Parkinson’s usually emerges after age 60, some early-onset cases do occur.

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While aging has been shown to be the biggest driver — and family history also increases the risk — research has shown that some lifestyle behaviors can help ward off or slow the onset of the disease.

“Today, even though it’s not possible to prevent Parkinson’s disease, maintaining a healthy lifestyle — staying physically active, eating well and getting enough sleep — can help protect overall brain health and may reduce the risk of various neurological disorders,” Prof. Dr. Pulat Akın Sabancı, professor of Neurosurgery at Istanbul University, told Fox News Digital.

Parkinson’s disease can cause stiffness, tremors, balance problems and slowed movement, along with mood changes, cognitive decline and sleep disturbances. (iStock)

Below, experts shared some of the most impactful prevention methods.

No. 1: Stay physically active

Regular exercise is strongly linked to a decreased risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to Dr. Mary Ann Picone, the medical director at Holy Name Medical Center’s MS Center in New Jersey.

“Aerobic exercise can be neuroprotective and improve motor function,” she told Fox News Digital, as studies have shown that it lowers risk by 50%.

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Picone recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week — at least 30 minutes daily.

“Aerobic exercise increases heart rate and helps brain neurons to maintain old connections and form new connections,” she noted.

A doctor recommends engaging in moderate- to high-intensity activities, such as walking or cycling, for a significant amount of time each week — at least 30 minutes daily. (iStock)

Weight training and resistance exercises are also beneficial, as well as activities that combine balance, agility and coordination, like Tai Chi or dancing, according to the expert.

“Research shows that getting the blood pumping helps the brain tissue build up protective mechanisms and do better on both cognitive and muscle control tests and often live longer,” she said.

No. 2: Eat a brain-friendly diet

Picone recommends eating a diet rich in antioxidants and plant-based protein sources — especially beans, nuts and tofu — as well as foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids. It is best to avoid processed foods, she advised.

A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease.

A Mediterranean or MIND-style diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, olive oil and whole grains, has been linked to a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. (iStock)

“Foods that contain antioxidants, such as purple, red and blue grapes; blueberries; red berries, like strawberries; green, leafy vegetables, like broccoli, kale and spinach; and sweet potatoes, acorn or butternut squash are recommended,” Picone said.

Coffee and tea drinkers have a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease, the doctor noted.

No. 3: Limit exposure to toxins

Exposure to certain environmental toxins, like pesticides and heavy metals, can damage neurons and increase the risk of Parkinson’s, according to Dr. George Michalopoulos, founder and chairman of The Neurologic Wellness Institute in Chicago.

“While it’s impossible to avoid all toxins, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure,” he told Fox News Digital. “Choose organic produce when possible, use protective gear if you’re working with chemicals, and drink filtered water to avoid contaminants.”

No. 4: Prioritize sleep

During deep sleep, the brain clears out waste products and repairs itself, Michalopoulos noted.

“Chronic sleep deprivation or conditions like sleep apnea can increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s,” he said. “Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens before bed and create a calming bedtime routine.”

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Dr. Vibhash Sharma, a neurologist and medical director of UT Southwestern’s neuromodulation movement disorders clinic in Dallas, Texas, reiterated the importance of quality sleep for Parkinson’s prevention.

“As poor sleep quality and chronic sleep deprivation are associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disease, quality and adequate sleep is important for supporting brain repair and clearing abnormal proteins linked to Parkinson’s disease,” he told Fox News Digital.

No. 5: Manage stress

Stress is a part of life, but chronic levels can take a toll on your brain, Picone cautioned.

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“It’s been linked to inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are thought to play a role in Parkinson’s,” she said. “Finding ways to manage stress can help protect your brain and improve your overall health. Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature.”

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No. 6: Stay mentally and socially engaged

Keeping your brain active and staying connected with others can help build “cognitive reserve,” which may protect against neurodegeneration, according to Michalopoulos.

Try mindfulness practices like meditation, deep breathing or even a daily walk in nature, one expert suggested. (iStock)

“Activities that challenge your brain — like doing puzzles, reading or learning a new skill — are great for keeping sharp,” he told Fox News Digital.

Sabanci reiterated that lifelong learning, social connection and purposeful activity support brain resilience.

No. 7: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

Smoking and heavy drinking have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s, Michalopoulos warned.

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“Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake can go a long way toward protecting your brain,” he said.

The experts agreed, however, that none of these behavioral changes completely guarantees protection from Parkinson’s.

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“But taken together, they form a practical, low-risk approach to support brain longevity,” Sabancı said.

“Anyone with motor changes, loss of smell, REM sleep behavior disorder or persistent constipation should seek medical evaluation early.”

Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.

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