Published March 1, 2022

Falls can happen anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you have fallen before or want to avoid falling in the future, here are different ways you can decrease your risk of falling:

• Talk to Your Doctor (Centers for Disease Control, n.d.) 
  • Ask your doctor to evaluate your risk of falling.
  • Ask about medications you take and if any of them can impair balance by making you dizzy.
  • Keep your doctor informed of falls so they can help prevent future ones.
• Exercise (Hayes, 2017)
  • Engage in strength and balance exercises.
  • Walking, standing, sitting, and balance exercises such as yoga, dance, or tai chi are good options.
• Check Your Eyes (Centers for Disease Control, n.d.)
  • Depth perception as well as seeing clearly can affect your ability to see trip hazards or objects you may fall over.
  • Regularly keep up with eye appointments and update glasses if necessary.
• Be Aware of the Environment (Hayes, 2017)
  • Watch where you are going and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Be alert when walking in dark areas.
  • Avoid rushing by taking your time walking or standing up.

• Add Safety Measures (Centers for Disease Control, n.d.)
  • Consider removing trip hazards such as loose rugs, wires, or cables.
  • Adding grab bars in the bathroom, railings to stairs, and using brighter lightbulbs or a nightlight can help provide extra support when walking around your house.
• Practice Safety First (National Institute on Aging, 2020)
  • Wear comfortable shoes that fit well. Try to choose shoes that have low heels, are non-slip, and are rubber soled.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleepiness can increase your risk of falls.
  • Limit your alcohol intake. Alcohol can affect balance and reflexes, increasing the chances of a fall.
  • Use assistive devices such as a cane or walker. These can be especially helpful when navigating areas with uneven surfaces.

Click here to read more about fall prevention on our fact sheet.