As we get older, a simple accident can cause serious problems, because our bodies don't bounce back as quickly as they did when we were younger.

Here are some tips that will help you avoid accidents:

• Remember that our ability to feel hot and cold may not be as keen as it once was. Take special care not to get burned in the kitchen or bath.

• Make sure stairways are well lit and have sturdy railings, and tack down area rugs and carpets.

• Make sure electrical cords run along the bottom of your walls, not across areas where you will walk.

• Use grab bars in tubs and on bathroom walls, and use non-skid mats in tubs and shower stalls.

• Wear shoes with good support and non-skid soles.

• Use a cane or walker for support if you are a little unsteady on your feet.