Some of the most common causes of falls in seniors include:
- Physical changes due to aging: The search results indicate that normal aging can cause changes in muscles, blood pressure control, vision, hearing, and balance, which can increase the risk of falling.[1][2][3]
- Health conditions: Certain diseases and disorders like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, diabetes, anemia, and thyroid problems can impair mobility, balance, and cognition, leading to a higher fall risk.[1][3][4]
- Medications: Some medications like pain relievers, sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs can cause side effects like dizziness or confusion that increase fall risk, especially when multiple medications are taken.[1][2][3]
- Environmental hazards: Factors in the home environment like poor lighting, loose carpets, clutter, and uneven surfaces can contribute to falls.[1][2][3][5]
- Lack of exercise and muscle weakness: Reduced physical activity and weakening of leg and core muscles with age can negatively impact balance and stability, increasing fall risk.[1][2][5]
- Vision and hearing problems: Declines in vision and hearing as people age can make it harder to detect environmental hazards and maintain balance.[1][2][5]
In summary, the main causes of falls in seniors are a combination of physical, medical, and environmental factors that impair mobility, balance, and the ability to safely navigate one’s surroundings.[1][2][3][4][5]
Citations:
[1] https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/falls-prevention/causes
[2] https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2000/0401/p2173.html
[3] https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/older-people%E2%80%99s-health-issues/falls-in-older-adults/falls-in-older-adults
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3135440/
[5] https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/preventing-falls/causes-of-falls/