Falling Problems In the U.S., almost one-third of those over age 65 fall each year. Some falls may be so bad that you are no longer mobile (able to get up and walk). Bone fractures, caused by falling, can lead to blood clots, pneumonia or even death. The reasons some people fall are because they: are frail can’t react quickly have poor vision or hearing are taking medicines which cause side effects, such as dizziness and blurred vision have some disease that affects their balance or sense of feeling in their legs and feet have weak muscles have trouble concentrating
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There may be things around your home that might increase your risk of falling. You may not think about some of these as being a cause: poorly lit rooms or walkways pets that walk in front of you slippery or wet floors uneven surfaces electrical cords where you walk clutter in the floor throw rugs To help yourself, look around your house and see if there are things that might put you at risk. Think about your health and physical fitness. Ask your doctor if any of your medicines could make you clumsy or sleepy. If you have tingling, burning or pain in your legs or feet, tell your doctor. This may be peripheral neuropathy—the loss of feeling due to nerve damage—since about 20% of those over 65 have this condition. Review the prevention tips on the other side. They may help you avoid a fall.
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