What increases fall risk?

Generally, the risk of falling is increased by factors that reduce normal postural stability, such as age-related decline in balance, gait stability, and cognitive and cardiovascular function. Other factors that increase fall risk include acute illness, certain medications (e.g., sedatives, antidepressants, antihypertensives), and environmental factors (e.g., lack of sidewalks, poor lighting). Nonmodifiable factors that are associated with higher fall risk include age, female sex, and a history of falling. Many falls in the elderly are multifactorial, involving a combination of intrinsic factors such as certain medical conditions, abnormalities in gait, reduced balance and physical strength, reduced strength, and problems with the musculoskeletal system. In the younger population, factors that increase fall risk mostly involve unsafe environments and high risk activities (e.g., climbing, mountain biking, skateboarding).^[1]