Reviewed 11/22/2023
Take action now to avoid a fall
As we age, our risk of falling goes up. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury in older Americans. Fortunately, there are a number of straightforward steps you can take to help reduce your risk of falling.
EXERCISE REGULARLY
Exercises that improve your leg strength and your balance may help reduce your risk of falls.
What to do: Good activities include lifting weights, aerobic exercises like walking, and balance activities like standing on one leg or getting up from a chair. If you're not used to exercising, talk to your doctor about how to get started safely.
REVIEW YOUR MEDICINES WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Some medicines can cause dizziness, drowsiness or other side effects that may put you at risk for a fall.
What to do: Discuss your medicines with your doctor. If one of your medicines causes problems, your doctor may switch you to a drug that might be safer for you.
MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER
Since many falls happen at home, making changes there is an important part of reducing your risk.
What to do: Remove tripping hazards like throw rugs and floor clutter. Arrange furniture for a clear path between rooms. And use extra lighting near stairs and hallways. Also, try these tips to make your bathroom safer.
Need expert advice? Ask your doctor for a referral to an occupational therapist.
GET YOUR EYES CHECKED
Poor vision can make it difficult to see tripping hazards.
What to do: Get an annual eye exam. If you wear glasses, be sure to have your lens prescription updated as needed.
MANAGE CHRONIC CONDITIONS
Some medical conditions, like arthritis, diabetes and neurological problems, can affect your balance or your ability to walk and increase your chances of falling.
What to do: Work with your doctor to control any health problems that might cause you to fall.
IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE
- AARP. "Striking a Balance to Avoid Dangerous Falls." https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2019/tips-preventing-falls.html.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Falls Awareness and Prevention Guide." https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/globalassets/pdfs/aaosfallprevention.pdf.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. "Preventing Falls Among the Elderly." https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/Preventing-Falls-Among-the-Elderly/.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Medications Linked to Falls.” https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/steadi-factsheet-medslinkedtofalls-508.pdf.
- National Council on Aging. "What Exercises Can Help Seniors Prevent Falls?" https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-exercises-can-help-you-prevent-a-fall.
- National Council on Aging. "What Medications Increase the Risk of Falling Among Older Adults?" https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-medications-increase-the-risk-of-falling-among-older-adults.
- National Institute on Aging. "Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room." https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/preventing-falls-home-room-room.