Falls are Common Among Older Adults
Research suggests a link between falls and risk for dementia (1). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 out of 4 older adults fall each year. One out of 10 falls results in an injury that restricts activities or results in seeking care. Three million emergency department visits and 1 million hospitalizations occur each year from older adults falling.
Health conditions that may increase one’s risk for falling include:
- Weakness/pain/numbness in the lower body
- Lack of exercise
- Balance and walking difficulties
- Use of certain medicines such as tranquilizers, pain medications, sleeping pills, or antidepressants
- Vision problems such as cataracts and bifocals
- Disordered or non-restful sleep
- Poor footwear
Home hazards may also contribute to falls. Addressing home hazards may be an effective strategy for fall prevention. Examples of hazardous situations include broken or uneven steps, throw rugs, and clutter.
For more information, see: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Source: (1) Kim HJ, Jeong S, Oh YH, Suh MJ. Association of Balance Impairment with Risk of Incident Dementia among Older Adults. J Prev Alzheimers Dis 2024;11:130-137.
Exercises to Build Strength and Balance
Strength and balance exercises may be helpful for preventing falls. Johns Hopkins Medicine provides some exercises that can be done in the home (see JHM Exercises for Fall Prevention):
- Sit-to-stand for building leg strength and improving body mechanics and balance
- Balance Exercises involves a series of exercises to improve balance
Tai Chi is another activity that promotes balance. According to a review published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, engaging in Tai Chi reduced the risk of falls and enhanced performance on tasks measuring balance.
Tai Chi classes are generally offered in the community. For example, the Cache County (Utah) Senior Citizens Center offers tai chi classes each week. For information, please see the Cache County Senior Center Calendar.
Fall Prevention
Checking the home environment for hazards is important for fall prevention. Johns Hopkins Medicine recommends checking for common hazards (see JHM Remove Risks at Home):
- The bathroom poses risks as people move from varied positions. Adaptations include hand bars and shower or bath chairs.
- Uneven floors and stairs pose hazards with thresholds, rugs, thick carpets, and clutter. Removal of hazards may reduce fall risk.
- Low light may pose a hazard due to reduced visual ability with age. Adding brighter lights may reduce fall risk.
- Stairs Adding handrails next to stairs may provide security and increase confidence.