Why Does Falling Become a Risk as We Get Older?

More than 14 million Americans aged 65 and older slip and fall each year, which equates to about one in four seniors. Considering this statistic, you might assume falling is a normal part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. 

While aging does affect balance and mobility, suffering injuries is not inevitable. 

At Ample Health in Carmichael, California, our team of board-certified internist Dheeraj Kamra, MD; Mythli Nagaraj, MD; Alice Phillips, FNP; and Yelena Popova, PA, regularly educates seniors on injury prevention. 

Keep reading to learn why falls tend to affect older people and what you can do to reduce your risk. 

Understanding the link between aging and falling

Several factors increase the risk of falling as you age, including:

Physical changes

When The Rolling Stones sang, “What a drag it is getting old,” they weren’t lying. The natural aging process affects the human body in various ways:

• Muscle mass decreases, making it harder to stand up and maintain balance
• Reflexes become slower, so reacting to tripping hazards becomes more challenging
• Changes to the eyes affect depth perception and contrast sensitivity, making it easier to stumble

These side effects affect everyone, regardless of health status, which is why falls become more likely. While there’s no way to prevent aging, eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help you maintain muscle mass and remain steady on your feet. 

Certain medical conditions

Nearly 85% of adults aged 65 and older have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease. These health problems increase the risk of premature death, but they can also affect balance and mobility. 

For instance, osteoporosis, a disease that causes the bones to become weak and brittle, often occurs alongside decreased muscle mass and strength, making falls even more likely. 

At the same time, many older adults with chronic conditions take at least one prescription medication to manage symptoms. But many of these drugs have side effects, like dizziness and double vision, which can increase the risk of slip-and-fall injuries. 

You don’t necessarily have to stop taking your medication, but you must understand your fall risk. After an exam and lab testing, we can make personalized recommendations to help you lead an active lifestyle without increasing your injury risk.

Environmental and lifestyle factors

If you live on your own, you may not have the time or energy to keep your house spotless, but allowing clutter to accumulate or neglecting things like burnt-out lightbulbs can create slip-and-fall hazards. And wearing house shoes like Crocs, flip-flops, or loose slippers can present risks of their own. 

You don’t need to hire a maid or change your living situation, but you should make an effort to eliminate hazards wherever you can. 

For example, keep hallways and stairs clear of boxes and books, wrap up loose electrical cords, and keep your home well-lit. Similarly, if you feel unstable in the bathroom, install grab bars next to the toilet and shower so you can relieve yourself and bathe comfortably.

We can help you assess your fall risk

If you don’t feel as stable on your feet as you used to, don’t wait to ask for help. Contact us at Ample Health in Carmichael, California, if you’re interested in scheduling geriatric services to reduce your risk of falls and other related injuries. Call our office or book your appointment online. Telehealth visits are available.