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Falls in the Elderly
Falls are common in older people and can cause fractures and loss of confidence. Many are preventable once the reasons behind them are found and addressed.
Causes & risk factors
- Poor balance, muscle weakness or unsteady walking
- Dizziness or a drop in blood pressure on standing
- Medicines causing drowsiness or low blood pressure
- Poor eyesight
- Home hazards — loose rugs, poor lighting, clutter
- Underlying illness such as infection or an irregular heartbeat
Common symptoms
- Dizziness or unsteadiness
- Feeling off balance when walking
- Blacking out or fainting
- Leg weakness
- Blurred vision
- Fear of falling and reduced activity
Tests & diagnosis
- Balance and walking assessment
- Lying and standing blood pressure
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Vitamin D
- ECG (heart rhythm)
- Medication review
Treatment & management
- Find and treat the underlying cause
- Strength and balance exercises (physiotherapy)
- Review and adjust medicines that increase fall risk
- Correct eyesight and manage blood pressure drops
- Make the home safer: good lighting, grab rails, remove trip hazards
- Vitamin D and calcium for bone health where needed
When to see a doctor urgently
- A fall with a head injury, blackout or possible fracture — seek urgent care
- Severe pain or inability to bear weight after a fall — urgent
- Repeated falls or increasing unsteadiness — get assessed
- Fainting spells or new dizziness
Frequently asked questions
Are falls just a normal part of ageing?
No. While risk rises with age, falls are not inevitable. Most have identifiable causes — weakness, medicines, blood pressure, vision or home hazards — that can be treated to prevent future falls.
How can I prevent falls at home?
Improve lighting, remove loose rugs and clutter, add grab rails, wear supportive footwear, keep active with balance exercises, and have medicines and eyesight reviewed regularly.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.