reviewed by Lora Stutzman

“Falls can have very serious consequences as we age. Each year, more than 25 percent of adults 65 or older have a fall, and 3 million are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The risk of falling in older adults is usually related to combination of factors, including:

• Balance and/or walking problems. Balance can be affected by vision changes, vestibular problems and altered sensation in the feet.
• The use of multiple medications. Studies indicate that when individuals take five or more medicines, the risk of falls increases.
• Home hazards (including dim lighting and trip hazards)
• Positional low blood pressure (such as orthostatic hypotension, when blood pressure drops upon standing.
• Feet and footwear issues

“Falls often occur in the bathroom when … Continue reading this article at this Johns Hopkins Medicine Website.