Many risk factors are controllable. Below are risk factors for falls and ways to reduce each risk.
Risk: Balance and Gait ProblemsUnsteadiness with standing or walking or a change in activity level due to unsteadiness may indicate a balance problem. Poor or ill-fitting footwear can also adversely affect balance and gait.
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Exercise regularly and stay active. Balance and strength exercises have been shown to be the most effective in reducing fall risk.
Whole-body exercises such as Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance® have been found to improve balance. Find programs close to you with our maps.
You may also ask your primary health care provider for a referral to a balance program or physical therapist. This is especially important if you are unsteady or are afraid of falling. Also, remember to wear supportive shoes without heels. Loose slippers should be avoided.
Risk: Dizziness
Dizziness can result from many conditions and should be evaluated by your primary health care provider if present. A common problem is low blood pressure when standing causing one to feel lightheaded. Another common source of dizziness is inner ear or vestibular problems.
Risk: Decreased Strength and FlexibilityCommon problems include decreased neck and trunk flexibility, decreased hip and ankle strength, and decreased ankle flexibility.
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Find programs in your area here: Program Maps.
Risk: Low Levels of Vitamin DVitamin D is important for strong muscles and bones for fall risk reduction.
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It may be difficult to localize the source of a sound or one may not hear a vehicle or person approaching.
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Dizziness can result from many conditions and should be evaluated by your primary health care provider if present. A common problem is low blood pressure when standing causing one to feel lightheaded. Another common source of dizziness is inner ear or vestibular problems.
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Depression or dementia can decrease activity level and one’s ability to attend to environmental changes.
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Contact your primary health care provider with any symptoms of dizziness. He or she will evaluate this and determine the cause. If the cause is thought to be due to inner ear problems you may be referred to an ENT physician specializing in this and/or a physical therapist specializing in vestibular or inner ear problems.
Risk: Use of Multiple MedicationsMany medications have side effects that can impair your coordination and balance or cause dizziness. Medication risk increases with the number of medications that are taken. Four or more have been shown to increase fall risk. Risk: Environmental Hazards There are trip hazards in your home that may increase your risk of falling, such as throw rugs that stick up or cords that are not hidden or properly put away.
Risk: Alcohol UseExcessive alcohol use can also negatively affect balance.
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The inability to accurately see one’s environment can lead to falls. A change to bifocals may temporarily affect your balance. Changes in depth perception may also contribute toward falls.
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Many chronic neurological conditions (such as Parkinson’s Disease, stroke, and head injury) and other chronic illnesses may impair balance. Inactivity or weakness following an acute illness or hospitalization may also impair balance and increase fall risk.
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A fall within the past 6 months may put you at greater risk of another fall. This is especially true if the fall occurs without apparent cause, such as with walking from one room to the next.
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There are trip hazards in your home that may make it more likely to fall such as throw rugs that stick up or cords not hidden or put away.
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Fear of falling can inhibit you from participating in your daily activities of living.
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