Fall Prevention in Older Adults

Every year one out of four older adults, those 65 and older, suffers a fall. ¹ These falls can be serious and costly. Many falls do not cause injuries, but one out of five causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury. ^2,3

There are many conditions that contribute to falls. Many of these risk factors can be modified or changed to help prevent falls:

• Lower body weakness
• Difficulties with walking or balance
• Some medicines can affect balance and steadiness
• Vision problems
• Foot pain or poor fitting footwear
• Home hazards such as steps, throw rugs or clutter

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. There are several things that can be done to help prevent falls, such as:

• Talk with a healthcare provider to evaluate the risk
• Do strength and balance exercises
• Have eyes checked regularly
• Increase safety at home by clearing clutter, adding grab bars if needed, use non-slip mats in tubs and on floors
• Make sure there are handrails at all stairs
• Make sure there is adequate lighting

If in doubt about safety, check with a health care provider or a physical therapist, who may be able to help with suggestions and a plan for exercises to improve balance and strength.

1. Bergen G, Stevens MR, Burns ER. Falls and Fall Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2014. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:993–998. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6537a2
2. Alexander BH, Rivara FP, Wolf ME. The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall–related injuries in older adults. American Journal of Public Health 1992;82(7):1020–3.
3. Sterling DA, O’Connor JA, Bonadies J. Geriatric falls: injury severity is high and disproportionate to mechanism. Journal of Trauma–Injury, Infection and Critical Care 2001;50(1):116–9