Accidental falls can lead to injury for anyone—even folks who are young and healthy. But for adults over the age of 65, falls are more likely and more serious. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four older adults experience a fall each year, and about 37% of those falls require medical care.
Falls can greatly disrupt a person’s daily routine. If medical treatment is needed, they can be financially costly, too. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) says that the average cost of an emergency department visit to address a fall injury is $1,112, and an inpatient hospital stay for more severe injuries averages more than $18,000. Knowing common causes of accidental falls and how to prevent them can help older adults and their caregivers reduce the risk of falling.
Causes of Falls and How to Avoid Them
Many falls occur due to side effects of aging. While physical changes may be inevitable, people can still make adjustments to control the most common risk factors. These include:
- Muscle weakness, particularly in the lower body
- Balance or mobility issues
- Vision problems
- Improper footwear
- Medications with side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness
- Poor lighting
- Clutter in the home or other tripping hazards like throw rugs or slick floors
- Health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and vitamin D deficiency
- Weather conditions like snow and ice that make outdoor walkways slippery
While aging is not preventable, falls are. Older adults can take practical steps to reduce their fall risk, including:
- Awareness of medication side effects: Older adults should talk to their doctor before starting a new medication to learn if it will cause dizziness, drowsiness, or balance issues. Blood pressure medications, diuretics, and some antidepressants have all been associated with falls.
“Some medications to lower blood pressure can actually lower it too much, leading to dizziness and subsequent falls. It’s recommended to see a geriatrician to assist with medication management and to monitor interactions between medications.”
- Regular vision checks: Having proper glasses can help people see hazards like uneven surfaces or clutter.
- Fall-proof the home: Removing tripping hazards, such as cables, cords, loose rugs, and clutter, ensures a clear walkway. Caregivers can assist older adults in moving furniture that could block pathways.
- Wear proper footwear: Avoid heels and slippers, and instead choose a shoe that is well-fitting and supportive.
- Improve lighting: Make sure the home is well-lit, especially in stairways and hallways. Small lamps or nightlights can help older adults safely navigate their space, especially during the night.
- Use assistive devices: Installing handrails or grab bars inside the shower, near the toilet, and along both sides of stairways can help prevent falls. Utilizing canes or walkers can help with stability inside and outside the home.
- Stay active: Regular exercise improves coordination and muscle strength. Older adults should choose activities that help with balance, flexibility, and maintaining strength, such as yoga, tai chi, lower body strength training, and walking.
- Being weather aware: Older adults should pay close attention to the weather, especially during the winter months when snow and ice can make sidewalks slick.
“Good shoes, good lighting, not being shy to use assistive devices, and asking someone for help to clear your driveway and stairs in snowy and icy conditions are all precautions older adults can take as the season changes,” Haroldsen says.
Minor Falls Can Be Serious
For older adults, simply tripping over a throw rug can lead to serious injuries. Once someone experiences one fall, they are twice as likely to experience another one. While some falls don’t cause any injuries or require a trip to the doctor, those that do can have significant consequences.
Some of the most common injuries from falling are:
- Fractures, particularly in the hips, wrists, arms, and ankles
- Head injuries
- Sprains
- Joint dislocations
- Hematomas
“After a fall, evaluation by an occupational therapist and physical therapist to look at home safety and how to arrange the home safely can help prevent another falling incident,” Haroldsen says.
By incorporating some simple precautions into their daily lives, older adults can ensure they continue to live safely and independently.
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