You get up at night to use the bathroom. The hallway is dim, your slippers have loosened with wear, and the corner of a rug has curled upward. Small hazards like these can change a familiar walk. They’re easy to overlook because they might have been part of the room for months or even years.
The risk of falling increases with age, but many risk factors can be reduced. The ideas in this article offer a good reminder to look at the places you move through every day and make practical changes that protect mobility and independence.
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), about 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older fall each year. Falls can lead to fractures, head injuries, and long recoveries.
Fear of falling can also affect your daily life. Some people stop walking, running errands, exercising, or seeing friends because they no longer trust their balance. But staying active is actually one of the best things you can do to preserve the strength and coordination needed to lower your risk of falling.
Memory and Movement Can Intersect
Changes in memory or thinking can appear alongside changes in balance and walking.
The NIA reports that older adults with mild cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia face a higher risk of falling. Mild cognitive impairment refers to noticeable changes in memory or thinking beyond what is expected with normal aging.
The connection is broader than memory itself. Walking speed, vision, blood pressure, muscle strength, alertness, medication effects, and daily function all influence fall risk.
A 2025 study published in Geriatrics examined 1,321 people with mild to moderate dementia. About 41% reported a fall during the previous year.
Falls occurred more often among people who exercised less, walked more slowly, took more medications, or needed more help with daily activities. The researchers called for prevention plans that reflect each person’s specific risks rather than a single approach for everyone.
If changes in memory appear alongside a new change in gait, balance, or alertness, tell your healthcare team. Those details may help point to problems that can be addressed.
Make Familiar Spaces Safer
Home hazards are often ordinary things that have become part of the routine. A phone charger cord across the floor, furniture that crowds a walkway, or a missing handrail can make a familiar space harder to move through safely.
Better lighting, clear walking paths, and keeping frequently-used items within easy reach can reduce common hazards.
A quick home check can reveal simple fixes:
- Keep halls and stairs free of clutter.
- Secure rugs and repair uneven flooring.
- Check that stairways have sturdy handrails.
- Add grab bars and nonslip surfaces in the bathroom, specifically the shower or tub.
- Move cords and small furniture out of walking paths.
For someone with memory changes, consistency adds another layer of safety. Keep mobility aids where they are easy to see and reach. A clear nighttime route can also reduce confusion when someone is tired.
Pay Attention to Vision, Feet, and Shoes
Clear vision and secure footing both play a role in balance. CDC guidance recommends regular eye exams and updated eyeglasses. Mayo Clinic also recommends sturdy, well-fitting shoes with nonskid soles as part of fall prevention.
Foot pain or numbness also deserve attention. If your stride changes—or you feel less stable than usual—tell your doctor.
Build Strength You Can Use Every Day
Getting out of a chair, climbing a few steps, or recovering when the ground changes all depend on leg strength and balance.
Walking, water exercise, strength training, and balance work can all support safer movement. Tai chi has drawn particular interest because its slow, controlled movements challenge balance and coordination without requiring high-impact exercise.
If your balance has changed, ask whether physical therapy makes sense before you begin something new. A physical therapist can assess how you walk, test your balance, recommend exercises that fit your abilities, and teach safe use of a cane or walker when needed.
Take a Fresh Look at Your Medicines
Medication side effects sometimes show up as a balance problem. Some medicines can cause dizziness, sleepiness, confusion, blurred vision, or a drop in blood pressure.
Bring a complete list of everything you take to your next doctor’s appointment, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether any could be affecting your balance or alertness. Don’t stop or change a medicine without medical guidance, however.
Report near-falls, too. A stumble you catch in time can give your healthcare team useful information about changes in blood pressure, vision, medications, or the way you walk.
One Change at a Time
Start with the risk you see first. Replace loose shoes or add a nightlight. Clear a hallway. Schedule an eye exam. Ask for a medication review. Then move on to the next change.
Some are easier to stick with when you have a little support along the way. Charter Research offers free community events throughout the year, including programs focused on fitness and mobility.
To get more information on upcoming opportunities to stay active and connected, give us a call.
Orlando: 407-337-3000
The Villages: 352-441-2000
Chicago: 773-300-1000