What are the more likely causes of falls?
The causes of falls can be separated into two groups. The first group includes obstacles and hazards around the home or other environment like loose rugs or carpets or things you might trip over, electric cables, slippery floors and bath mats that slip easily. Going to the toilet at night with just socks on can increase the chances of an accident on slippery floors. In the second group there are health factors that do not necessarily have to do with a person’s age. Eyesight that has gotten worse, and dizziness caused by too low or two high blood pressure can increase the risk of a fall. So can illnesses that affect the sense of balance, and psychotropic medications like sleeping tablets, sedatives and antidepressants that affect your attention and reflexes. Older people who have already had one fall are at a higher risk of falling again. A fall is a good opportunity to give some thought to how to reduce the risks of falling.
