Which age group is at higher risk for falls?

• A. Under 65
• B. 65 or older
• C. 75 or older
• D. All ages

Answer: (B)

Falls risk increases with age, and the group most at risk is people aged 65 and older. As we age, balance, gait, and muscle strength often decline, and vision or depth perception can worsen, all of which heighten the chance of a misstep or loss of stability. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, or Parkinson’s disease, along with multiple medications that can cause dizziness or low blood pressure, add to this vulnerability. Environmental factors like clutter, poor lighting, and loose rugs compound the risk, and deconditioning from inactivity can make a fall more likely. Because these changes accumulate with age, 65 years and older are routinely considered higher risk, with even greater risk as people move into the late 70s and beyond. This is why fall prevention focuses on older adults through things like home safety checks, strength and balance training, medication review, and regular vision assessments.