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Why are seniors more prone to falling?

If you are a senior living in Georgia, you may not face the same fall risks as older Americans in other parts of the country, where snow and ice make winters particularly dangerous. You still, however, are more likely to take a tumble than those in other age groups, and there are a number of reasons why this is the case.

According to AgingCare.com, one out of every four American seniors takes a fall each year. Furthermore, falls are the primary reason seniors suffer injury, die or visit the hospital, so it is important that you start to recognize what risk factors you have, and learn how to cope with them. For example, if you, like many seniors, take prescription medications, such as certain antidepressants, antipsychotics and painkillers, this can considerably enhance your risk of falling down. Additionally, your risk may increase when you mix more than one medication at a time.

A lack of physical activity may, too, contribute to your risk of falling. Most older people tend to slow down as they age, and this decrease in movement can lead to weaker bones and muscles, increasing your odds of a slip-and-fall accident. If you are recovering from certain surgical procedures that are common among older people, such as hip replacement procedures, you may also be more likely to fall because you are in pain, or because you are favoring one side of the body over the other as you heal.

Environmental conditions can also add to your odds of falling, and this is particularly true if you also have other risk factors. For example, insufficient lighting or stairs that do not have proper handrails make seniors more likely to slip and fall, as can loose wiring or carpeting.

This information about fall risks faced by seniors seeks to inform you, but it is not a replacement for personalized legal guidance.