Free Falls Risk Checklist

Falls in Adults: Most Falls Have Reasons

Most falls are not bad luck. They have reasons, and CDC says many of those risk factors can be changed. Strong legs, good shoes, clear path.

• Falls are common. More than 1 in 4 adults 65 and older falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. [1]
• Falls fill ERs. Each year there are about 4.5 million emergency department visits due to falls in older adults. [1]
• Risks add up. Most falls come from a combination of risk factors, and the more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance of falling. [1]
• What CDC lists. Lower body weakness, low vitamin D, trouble with walking and balance, medicines such as tranquilizers, sedatives or antidepressants (even some over the counter medicines), vision problems, foot pain or poor footwear, broken or uneven steps, and throw rugs or clutter. [1]
• Glasses and posture matter. Bifocal or progressive lenses can make things seem closer or farther away than they are. [2] NIH says poor posture can reduce balance and raise fall risk, and older adults tend to adopt a hunched posture. [4]

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