eFit for Individuals & Caregivers: Falls & Mobility

About 20% to 30% of older adults in Canada experience a fall each year. Most falls occur in the home, often in the bedroom, the bathroom and on the stairs. As people age, their risk of falling increases due to changes in their vision, hearing, posture (tendency to stoop over) and reaction time. Medical conditions such as arthritis, pain, cataracts, hip surgery, previous stroke or Parkinson’s disease can affect an individual’s walk; therefore, increasing their risk of tripping and falling. Medications side effects such as sedatives, strong pain medications and heart medications can all increase the risk of falls. Finally, a fear of falling may modify someone’s behaviour (reactions) and can actually increase their risk of falling.

Mobility is the ability of a person to move freely and easily. Older adults may experience mobility impairments that limit their participation in various aspects of their life, such as leisure, housework and moving about their community. Mobility can lead to more falls, a loss of independence or decline in health.