Contrary to popular belief, falls are not random or accidental events that “just happen”, but are actually predictable occurrences.

People 65 and older are at high risk for falls with the probability of falling increasing with advancing age.

Statistics show the highest incidence of injury related falls occurs in the 80-89-year-old age group (Tideiksaar, 2002).

Many things can contribute to falls, some happening individually or in conjunction with other factors.  By carefully evaluating the person and his/her environment, falls can be reduced and even prevented altogether.

Below is a list of some of the common causes of falls.

There are personal factors and environmental factors, so take a look and you will become more aware of some of the risks around you!

Personal Factors/Age Related:

• Changes in vision (acuity, sensitivity to light/dark, and depth perception)
• Visual diseases (macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and hemianopsia)
• Changes in balance
• Changes in gait (stride and walking)
• Medical conditions/acute diseases (incontinence, heart disease, stroke, UTI, pneumonia etc.)
• Chronic diseases (Parkinson’s, MS, other degenerative diseases)
• Degenerative cognitive disorders (dementia, depression etc.)
• Medications (new meds, interactions/polypharmacy; sedatives, psychotropics, diuretics, antihypertensives)

Environmental Factors:

• Transferring/surface height (moving from one place to another; surface too high or low)
• Bed rails (full length)
• Low seats/chairs/couches and toilets (with no grab bars)
• Unstable or armless chairs
• Chairs on wheels or rockers
• Walking in poorly illuminated areas
• Tripping over items on the floor (cords, throw rugs, thresholds, clutter, toys or pets)
• Thick pile carpet or upended linoleum
• Slipping on tile, high gloss or wet floors
• Not having suitable foot wear on
• Use of restraints (restraints are anything that keeps someone immobile)
• New or unfamiliar environments
• Time of day (night or early morning are the high risk times)

* Information adapted from: Rein Tideiksaar, PhD. (2002). Falls in Older People: Prevention & Management. Third Edition.