Falls risk factors - Stay On Your Feet
Just about all falls are predictable and are therefore preventable [67]. Research has identified a number of common risk factors for falling among older people. A person's risk of falling increases as the number of risk factors accumulates.[1] Risk factors can be divided into intrinsic (related to a person's behavior or condition) and extrinsic (related to a person's environment or their interaction with the environment).
Seniors can find out more about how to avoid falling by staying healthy and active
Health professionals can find out more about risk factors, risk screening and what works to prevent falls
What factors place an older person at risk of falling in the community? (2)
| Intrinsic factors | Extrinsic factors |
| Increased age | Inappropriate footwear (high heels and slippers) |
| History of falls | Inappropriate spectacles |
| Chronic medical conditions (eg. stroke, Parkinson's disease, arthritis) | |
| Multiple medications and specific types (eg. psychoactive medications) | |
| Impaired balance and mobility | |
| Reduced muscle strength | |
| Sensory problems (eg. impaired vision, peripheral neuropathy) | |
| Dizziness | |
| Impaired cognition | |
| Incontinence | |
| Depression | |
| Low levels of physical activity | |
| Slow reaction time | |
| Fear of falling | |
| Being female |