Why Your Risk of Falls Increases With Age
**Why Your Risk of Falls Increases With Age**
As we get older, staying steady on our feet becomes more challenging. Falls aren’t just a normal part of aging—they often happen due to specific factors that can be managed or prevented. Here’s why the risk rises and what you can do about it:
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### **1. Your Body Changes**
– **Muscles weaken**: Over time, muscle mass naturally decreases, making it harder to catch yourself if you trip[5].
– **Balance declines**: Joint stiffness and slower reflexes reduce your ability to stay upright on uneven surfaces[2][5].
– **Vision fades**: Poor eyesight makes it tough to spot hazards like steps or clutter[4][5].
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### **2. Health Conditions Play a Role**
Chronic issues like arthritis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease can affect mobility and coordination[4][5]. For example:
– **Osteoporosis** weakens bones, increasing fracture risk even from minor falls[3].
– **Dizziness from medications**, such as blood pressure pills or sleep aids, is a common culprit[2][5].
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### **3. Your Home Might Be Hazardous**
Everyday items become risks:
– **Loose rugs**, slippery floors, or poor lighting create tripping traps[4][5].
– **Cluttered pathways** or missing handrails in bathrooms make moving around riskier[1][4].
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### **4. Fear Itself Can Make Things Worse**
After a fall, many people limit activities they enjoy—like walking outdoors—to avoid another accident. Unfortunately, less movement leads to weaker muscles and poorer balance over time… which ironically raises the chance of falling again[2][4].
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### What Helps? Simple Fixes Matter Most! ✅
✔️ **Exercise regularly**: Strength and balance training (even chair yoga!) rebuild stability[1][5].
✔️ **Review medications**: Ask your doctor if any prescriptions cause dizziness[2][5].
✔️ “Fall-proof” your home**: Add grab bars in showers, remove throw rugs, and use nightlights in hallways[1][4]**.
✔️ Get vision checked yearly**: Update glasses prescriptions to see obstacles clearly**[1]**.**
Falls might feel inevitable as you age—but small changes today can keep you safer tomorrow.**
