Nine Main Causes of Falls in the Elderly

There are many causes for falls in older adults. Changing or improving just one of the causes below can reduce the risk of falls.

1 - Environmental

Low chairs, throw rugs, and poor lighting can all increase a persons risk for falls.
Remedy:
Download our Safety Environment Checklist and proceed to correct areas of concern.
If you need help with this and are in the Twin Cities Metro area of Minneapolis /St. Paul, Minnesota, you might be interested in our Personal Safety Report service.

2 - Vision

Poor vision may be a result of out-of-date prescription lenses. People with cataracts or glaucoma have one of the highest fall rates because it limits their vision. Many older adults fall at night because they can't rely on their vision to give them correct cues on their body position. Many can't even tell if they are standing up straight unless they can see a wall or chair to direct them in an upright position.
Remedy:
Schedule regular appointments to get eyes checked and glasses adjusted. If someone requires glasses, make sure they store them on their nightstand in case they need to get up in the middle of the night. Relying on a night light is not recommended as it does not emit enough light. It might be better to install a light clapper that turns on a main light.

3 - Hearing

Those with a hearing loss also have an increased risk of falling. It is one less sense to help maintain balance. Hearing problems can also cause ringing in the ears which is a distraction that can lead to falls.
Remedy:
Schedule regular appointments to get ears checked and cleaned.

4 - Medications

Many medications have the side effect of dizziness or light-headedness that can lead to a fall. Taking more than 4 medications or using psychoactive medications increases risk of falls.
Remedy:
Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medications. (Including ones that don't need prescriptions such as cold medicines.)

5 - Blood Pressure

Transitional movements, such as standing quickly or going from lying down to sitting up, can cause light-headedness due to a drop in your blood pressure (postural hypotension).
Remedy:
Have a medical professional check the blood pressure lying down, sitting, then standing and record if there is a difference. Report this information to the primary physician because some medications also cause a drop in blood pressure or the person may be dehydrated. The key for someone experiencing such a thing is to rest and wait for the dizziness to stop before standing or moving.

6 - Inner Ear Dysfunction/ Vestibular Disorder

Crystals in your inner ear help to maintain balance. The crystals can become displaced in many different ways. When this occurs people may feel "dizzy" when they quickly turn their head, bend over, or are in crowded areas.
Remedy:
Schedule an appointment with an ENT or a physician that specializes in Vestibular disorders. They can do a full screening to eliminate this problem. In some cases it is reversed/fixed in only 1-3 sessions.

7 - Fear of Falling

The actual fear of falling increases ones risk of falling. People who are fearful are more rigid/stiff with their movements, take small steps and grab for objects while walking increasing their risk of falls.
Remedy:
This is the most difficult cause to reverse. Medications such as anti-depressants may help. Find the causes of any previous falls and make those adaptations. Physical therapy and/or strength training program.
Choosing the Right Physical Therapy

8 - Balance

As we age, we need to retrain our bodies on how to maintain balance. People forget how to move properly because they have been practicing poor habits or have needed to go into "survivor" mode secondary to illness or injury.
Remedy:
Physical therapy, Tai-Chi, or regular strength training program.
Correcting Strength and Balance
Choosing the Right Physical Therapy.

9 -Weakness

Weakness in the person's legs, arms and trunk leads to gait difficulties. This includes difficulty picking up ones feet, decreased coordination and bent knees/hips. People who are weak typically complain of feeling unsteady on their feet and struggle getting out of chairs or off the toilet.
Remedy:
Regular strength training program or physical therapy.
Correcting Strength and Balance
Choosing the Right Physical Therapy.