Aging research tells us that falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among seniors. After 65 the odds of falling are approximately one in three each year, and after 80 half of all seniors fall at least once annually.1

There are three areas to consider in fall prevention:

 1. Medical Conditions:

Common illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, low blood pressure, and COPD can cause dizziness, muscle weakness, balance problems, and fatigue. Mental illness and dementias can contribute to confusion, diabetes can cause a neuropathy in the feet which compromises balance, and arthritis can make it difficult to maintain a safe gait. Poor vision can obscure obstacles and distance, and inner ear problems often cause dizziness.  These are just a few of the many conditions that contribute to high rates of falls in the senior population.

Certain medications, such as those used to treat anxiety and insomnia, can produce side effects and promote dizziness or confusion.  Two or more drugs may interact and contribute to physical instability.

Solution: Make an appointment with your doctor. Write down questions about your health condition and medications, and set a goal to evaluate ways to address the problem. If you have fallen or feel you are at risk for falls, consider changing your medications or making your home environment safer.

2. Strength and Balance:

Research shows that people who are afraid of falling tend to be less active, experience a loss of confidence, and can experience a lesser sense of well-being, especially if they have fallen previously.  These factors compromise the very body conditioning needed to make individuals more resistant to falls.

Solution: Health professionals agree that a regular exercise routine of any kind—starting with only a few steps a day—will increase strength and stamina, improve balance by helping to keep the mass of the body over the feet, and will help improve gait and reflexes, allowing safer reactions to obstacles. Although risk for falling increases with age, there are many ways to prevent serious injury and improve confidence.

3. Home Environment— Is it as safe as it can be?

As we age items in our homes start to pose greater risk for falls.  In fact, it is estimated that 55% of all falls occur in or near the home.2 Dimly lit hallways and rooms, stairs, bathrooms, heavily waxed flooring, loose carpeting and rugs, a little extra clutter around the house—even a pet underfoot—are all potential safety hazards for falls.  Outdoor risk factors are also numerous, such as slippery or wet surfaces, broken paving stones, curbs or changing levels, and poor fitting shoes can all contribute to a potential fall. 3

Solution: The good news is that most of these home environment hazards can be greatly minimized before a fall takes place. Referral to an occupational therapist can help seniors identify solutions which are easily installed and relatively inexpensive, such as grab bars mounted inside and outside the shower or bathtub, a raised toilet seat or one with armrests, handrails on both sides of stairways, nonslip treads on bare-wood steps, better lighting throughout the house, replacement of scatter rugs, etc.

$30 billion is spent annually on healthcare related to falls, and the Elder Fall Prevention Act has been passed by Congress for effective public education.4  The above information is just a fraction of the information that can be obtained from the internet, healthcare providers, and your local library, so do your homework—it may prevent a fall.

**Family Alliance has services available to help strengthen seniors for fall prevention. If you, or someone you know, are having regular falls please contact Family Alliance at (815)338-3590 for more information about our services. 

1. Mayo Clinic staff, “Fall Prevention.” MFMER July, 2008.

2. “Learn not to Fall.” Phillips Lifeline, 2008.

3. “Tips on Healthy Aging.” Natural Aging Research Institute.

April, 2006.

4. “Learn Not to Fall.” et al, 2008