Fall Risk Factors

The Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (FPCE), based at the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, has identified several common factors that can increase the risk of falling. These include:

• Past falls
• Hazards in the home and community
• Problems walking
• Balance problems
• Weakness
• Improper footwear
• Chronic diseases
• Multiple medications
• Poor vision
• Depression
• Memory problems
• ​Behaviors like rushing

​​Fall Prevention and Safety Tips​

Because many different factors contribute to falls, there are different recommendations for reducing fall risks. It is important that each individual identifies their unique combination of risk factors and works with their healthcare team to reduce those risks. These include:

• Talking with a health professional to identify and treat medical problems that might lead to falls. This includes discussing any previous falls with the doctor, reviewing medications with a doctor or pharmacist, and getting vision checked at least once a year.
• Getting regular physical activity either in a class, gym, or at home. The most effective types of activities to reduce fall risk improve balance, strength, flexibility, and endurance. 
• Being aware of safety hazards in the home and community such as looking at the home to identify fall hazards and making changes for safety, also called home modifications. It is also important not to rush and to be aware of fall risks when outside.
• Falls are not a normal part of aging, check your risk by taking the two-minute Free Falls Check-Up. Results can be emailed to your provider to help talk about your fall risks. 
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