The Basics
Am I at risk?
As people age, poor balance and weak muscles can lead to falls and fractures. Older adults usually fall during everyday activities, like walking or turning.
Some older adults also have vision problems or other medical conditions that can make a fall more likely. For example, a stroke can affect your balance and make you more likely to fall.
You may be more likely to fall if you:
- Have fallen in the past year
- Have a health condition that makes it hard to walk or affects your balance, like diabetes or heart disease
- Have trouble getting up from a chair or stepping up onto a curb
- Take medicines to help you relax or sleep
If you are worried about falling, talk to your doctor or nurse about how balance exercises, physical therapy, and vitamin D supplements can help.
Get the facts on falls and fractures.
