Factors Contributing to Falls

Poor balance
Impaired vision
Dizziness due to medication, dehydration, sudden drop in blood pressure with position changes.
Medication: Various over-the-counter and prescription medicines may cause changes in blood pressure, heart rate and muscle contractibility, and may cause fatigue, or slow reaction time.
Muscle weakness in the legs and core due to disuse, loss of muscle mass resulting from aging, or poor nutrition.
Decreased flexibility which inhibits normal gait.
Posture changes which can affect vision and balance.
Slower reaction time due to aging.
Hearing loss (inability to detect sources of sound).
Loss of perception in the feet.
Fear of falling which leads to reduced activity, poor balance, weakness, and reduced strength and range of motion.
Hazards in the environment such as unstable rugs, irregularities in the floor or pavement surface, poor lighting, unstable footwear, debris in the walking path, loose clothing which catches on a doorknob, etc., lack of grab bars or railings, uneven steps or poorly marked edges of steps on stairways.
Most falls are caused by more than one factor. Take action to prevent falls in your home area, review side effects of medication, and do strength training and balance practice as allowed by your physician. Click here for exercises to improve your balance.