Common Risk Factors include:

Fear of falling
Vision and hearing problems
Medication
Lack of physical activity
Difficulty walking, foot problems, or problems with balance, coordination, or muscle weakness
Certain diseases and conditions
Confusion from delirium, dementia, or depression
Alcohol or drug abuse
Fall hazards in the home or environment

Fear of Falling
It is not surprising that seniors have a fear of falling. Falls are a threat to individual function and independence.
Some of the symptoms that indicate you may have a fear of falling include: feeling alarmed and being hesitant at the thought of having to stand or walk; requiring assistance of one or more persons to stand or walk; you feel unsafe when walking, and need to grab or clutch objects; you stagger , stumble, or rush forward.
If you feel you may have a fear of falling:

• Tell your medical care provider immediately. You may be sent for further assessment and evaluation. Remember that there are many reasons that can cause balance problems, and its not "all in your head".


• Talk to your medical care provider about participating in a physical activity program, such as Enhance Fitness, Arthritis Exercise Class, or T'ai Chi.

Vision and hearing problems
Have your vision tested at least once a year, more often if you notice a problem.  If you were prescribed glasses, wear them!

Have your hearing checked if you notice you are not hearing well, or others are telling you that you have a problem.  If you have hearing aids, wear them!

Visit the AARP Vision Page
Visit the AARP Hearing Page

Certain medications

Medications that are used to treat hypertension, heart disease, allergy, insomnia, stomach acid, and depression are the most likely to cause a disturbance in balance, however, other meds may also do cause problems.  Prescription drugs may also interact with one another and cause balance problems.

• If your medical care provider prescribes medication for you, and you “feel funny” or have reactions to it, notify him/her immediately.  Chances are, there are other choices for medication.
• Always tell your medical care provider about all the medications and supplements that you are taking.

Lack of Physical Activity

Regular, daily physical activity helps to improve your balance by increasing flexibility, building muscle, and strengthening bone. 

• Check with your medical care provider about how much physical activity is safe for you.
• Take a class that is designed especially for seniors to work on strength and balance.
• Get a buddy and start walking.
  
  

Difficulty walking, foot problems, or problems with balance, coordination, or muscle weakness. 

The aging process changes bones, muscles, and joints, but regular physical activity can help keep them healthy and strong.  If you are experiencing any of the above problems:

• Talk to your medical care provider. Chances are, you will be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and testing.

Certain diseases

Many chronic, or re-occurring diseases and conditions, can contribute to the conditions mentioned in #4.  Conditions known to interfere with balance are:  joint disease, heart disease, stroke and parkinsons.

• If you have a chronic condition or re-occurring problems, ask your medical care provider whether or not balance problems or dizziness, are a result of the condition.  If yes, ask what you can do to prevent this.

Confusion from dementia, delirium, or depression.

These conditions can be acute (short term) or chronic (long term).  Either way, these conditions put a person at greater risk for falling.

• Keep in touch with your medical care provider or counselor if you experience any of these conditions.  If you have fallen while experiencing one of these conditions, report it to your medical provider immediately.

Alcohol or drug abuse.

Alcohol and drug abuse have many, many, negative consequences, including falls.  If your body is weakened due to alcoholism or drug abuse, you may not recover as quickly if you do fall. 

• Talk to your medical care provider about a referral to a treatment program.
• Get involved in community treatment programs such as: Alcoholics Anonymous or Celebrate Recovery.

Fall hazards in the home.

Loose rugs, furniture on wheels, slippery floors and poor lighting are just a few of the things that can lead to falling. 

• Use a checklist of home fall risks to assess your home
• Make needed repairs and changes right away
• If you need help getting the repairs done, call your local Area Agency on Aging.