Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults 65 and older. While many falls result in minor injuries, some can lead to serious health complications, loss of independence, and even death. The good news is that most falls can be prevented through awareness, medical evaluation, exercise, and home safety improvements.

Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging (WRAAA) offers evidence-based fall-prevention programs to help older adults reduce their risk of falling and remain active, healthy, and independent.

 

Why Fall Prevention Matters

Falls are common among older adults. In fact, up to 1 in 3 older adults living at home will experience a fall each year. Among those who fall, about 60 percent will fall again within the next year. Additionally, one in five falls results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone or a head injury.

Beyond physical injuries, falls can have significant emotional and lifestyle consequences.

“A lot of times, once they fall, they become scared and have a fear of falling,” says Crysta Willis, Community Outreach coordinator at WRAAA. “Then they have a tendency to not want to go anywhere because of that fear.  Now they have become isolated and lonely.”

Even when no injury occurs, falls are linked to:

• Loss of independence in daily activities
• Increased likelihood of nursing home placement
• Greater use of healthcare services
• Fear of falling, which can limit activity and social engagement

Because falls can significantly affect quality of life, prevention should be a priority for older adults and their caregivers.

 

Understanding Fall Risk

A fall occurs when a person unintentionally comes to rest on the ground or another lower surface. Falls rarely have a single cause. Instead, they usually result from a combination of physical, medication-related, and environmental risk factors.

 

Physical Risk Factors

As people age, changes in strength, balance, vision, hearing, and blood pressure regulation can increase the risk of falling. Certain health conditions can also contribute, such as:

• Arthritis and chronic pain
• Diabetes
• Anemia and other blood disorders
• Thyroid disorders
• Weak leg muscles or foot problems
• Dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues
• Vision or hearing impairment
• Neuropathy (numbness in the legs or feet)
• Dementia, Parkinson's disease, depression, or other neurological and mood disorders
• Urinary or fecal incontinence, which may cause rushing to the bathroom
• Dehydration and low blood pressure
• Fear of falling again after a previous fall

 

Medication Risk Factors

Many older adults take multiple medications, increasing the risk of side effects, dizziness, drowsiness, or drug interactions. Fall risk may rise when a new medication is started or when a dosage is changed.

Medications commonly associated with increased fall risk include:

• Diuretics and blood pressure medications
• Pain medications
• Sedatives and sleeping pills
• Insulin and other blood sugar-lowering medications
• Antidepressants and other mental health medications
• Antihistamines
• Muscle relaxants
• Medications used to treat dementia and Parkinson's disease

 

Environmental Risk Factors

Simple hazards around the home or workplace can cause falls. Common examples include ill-fitting shoes, loose rugs, electrical cords in walkways, poorly lit hallways or stairways, cluttered living spaces, and wet or slippery floors.

 

According to HealthinAging.org, older adults who have two or more falls in a year should receive a medical evaluation focused on fall risk.

Discuss fall concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you: Have fallen multiple times in the past year, feel unsteady while walking, experience dizziness or balance problems, or are concerned about your risk of falling.

A healthcare provider may assess your muscle strength, balance, walking pattern (gait), medical conditions, and medication use. Although there is no standard blood test or imaging study specifically for fall risk, your provider may recommend additional testing or a physical therapy evaluation.

 

Strategies to Reduce Fall Risk

Many effective interventions can help lower the risk of falling, including:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes
• Treating vision problems such as cataracts
• Participating in exercise programs that improve strength and balance
• Completing a home safety assessment
• Reviewing medications with a healthcare provider or pharmacist
• Taking vitamin D supplements when recommended for low vitamin D levels

Taking proactive steps today can significantly reduce the likelihood of a future fall.

 

WRAAA Fall Prevention Programs

WRAAA offers programs to help older adults build confidence, improve balance, and stay active: A Matter of Balance (MOB) and STEADY YOU.

MOB is an evidence-based, eight-week workshop series designed specifically for older adults concerned about falls.

Participants learn how to:

• Reduce fear of falling
• Increase physical activity
• Improve balance and mobility
• Build confidence in daily activities
• Develop practical fall prevention strategies

Classes meet for about two hours per session and provide a supportive environment for learning and skill-building.

WRAAA also supports community education initiatives and collaborates with statewide programs, such as STEADY YOU, to raise awareness of fall prevention and promote safer living environments.

“Offering programs like MOB and STEADY YOU returns to older adults the confidence they need to try going out again,” Willis says. “Because having a program shows them how to get up and fall without hurting themselves.”

 

Specialized Care for Older Adults

If you or a loved one is at high risk of falling, consider consulting a geriatrician or another healthcare professional trained in geriatrics. These specialists have expertise in managing the unique health concerns of older adults and can provide comprehensive recommendations to reduce fall risk.

 

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. By understanding risk factors, discussing them with healthcare providers, making homes safer, and participating in evidence-based prevention programs, older adults can remain active, confident, and independent.

 

Get Connected

To learn more about fall-prevention workshops, volunteer opportunities, or available resources, contact WRAAA:

Aging and Disability Resource Center
Phone: 1-800-626-7277

A simple conversation today could help prevent a life-altering fall tomorrow.