When a senior falls, it can be the first step in physical decline. A hospital stay or time in rehab might be required, which can result in overall weakness and fear of a second fall. That fear can lead to cautious movement, which leads to more physical weakness.

We don’t need to start down that path. There are a number of steps we can take to reduce the chance of falling — and staying independent.

• The first and biggest step is to declutter the floor. This means rerouting electrical cords, moving furniture and removing

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