What Conditions Make You More Likely to Fall?

According the CDC - Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention-

"More than one in four Americans older than 65 fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among that age group. Deaths from falling occur at a rate of about 64 deaths per 100,000 older adults."

Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are called risk factors. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls. They include:

• Lower body weakness

• Vitamin D deficiency (that is, not enough vitamin D in your system)

• Difficulties with walking and balance

• Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.

• Vision problems

• Foot pain or poor footwear

• Home hazards or dangers such as

• broken, steep or uneven steps, and

• throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over.

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.