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Falls: How to Lower Your Risk

Last Updated June 2023 | This article was created by familydoctor.org editorial staff and reviewed by Beth Oller, MD

People fall at every age. This is especially true of young babies learning to walk. However, as we age, we become more concerned about falling. A fall at an older age can have serious consequences to your health and independence.

Path to improved safety

Talk with your doctor to see if you are at a higher risk of falling. In addition to age, certain medical conditions put you at risk, including arthritis, cataracts, and hip problems. Diseases, such Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS) also can affect your mobility and increase your fall risk.

Reduce your risk for falling by following these tips:

  • Exercise regularly to keep your body, muscles, and bones healthy and strong. Exercise should focus on balance training and resistance training.
  • Install good lighting in your home. A well-lit home will help you avoid tripping over objects that are not easy to see. Make sure your bedroom, hallways, stairs, and bathrooms are well lit.
  • Fasten rugs firmly to the floor. Add nonskid backing so the rug doesn’t move, and tack down loose ends and corners.
  • Install handrails in your bathroom for the bath, shower, and toilet. Add them to both sides of your stairs if you don’t already have them.
  • Keep electrical cords away from high-traffic areas in your house.
  • Store your most-used kitchen objects in easy-to-reach areas. This eliminates the need to reach high, bend over, or climb on a stool.
  • Wear shoes with firm, nonskid soles. Avoid wearing loose-fitting shoes and slippers.
  • Get regular eye exams.
  • Keep your feet healthy, especially if you have diabetes.
  • Be aware of medicine side effects. Some medicines can cause dizziness.
  • Use a cane or walker if your doctor recommends it.
  • Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol to no more than 2 drinks per day for men and 1 drink a day for women.
  • Ease in and out of bed. Sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes with your feet on the ground before you stand. Getting up too quickly can cause dizziness.
  • Don’t go outside in icy conditions. If you must go out, plan by having someone walk with you, treat the conditions with anti-icing materials, or have your walkways shoveled.

Things to consider

  • Broken bones. Our bones become more brittle as we age. Broken bones take longer to heal as we age. Other breaks, such as hip fractures in the elderly, have been linked to health decline. This health decline can result in death in as soon as 6 months after the fall. Additionally, you lose your ability to be independent when you can’t walk.
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI). This is a serious injury to your brain. It can happen if you fall and hit your head on an object or on the floor.
  • Cognitive decline. Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions that affect a person’s cognitive ability can increase the risk of falls.

Questions for your doctor

  • At what age do falls lead to serious health problems?
  • Do certain vitamin supplements and dietary changes strengthen aging bones?
  • What physical activity and exercise is best for older persons trying to avoid a fall?
  • Am I taking any medicines or combination of medicines that could increase my risk of falling?
  • Is my diet appropriate enough to keep me strong to prevent falls?

Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Older Adult Fall Prevention

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: Preventing Future Fractures

National Institute on Aging: Falls and Fractures in Older Adults

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