• Physical problems with gait and balance, neurological and musculoskeletal disabilities, psychoactive medication use, dementia, and visual impairment. 
• Environmental hazards such as slippery surfaces, uneven floors, poor lighting, loose rugs, unstable furniture, and objects on floors may also play a role.

What can you do to reduce your risk of falling?

• Maintain a regular exercise program. Exercise improves strength, balance, and coordination. It makes you stronger and helps you feel better. Exercises that improve balance and coordination like Tai Chi are the most beneficial. 
• Ask your doctor to review all of your medicines in order to reduce side effects and interactions. 
• Have an eye doctor check your vision each year. Poor vision can increase the risk of falling. 
• Take steps to make living areas safer. Remove tripping hazards such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes. 
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping. 
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a stool. 
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Have grab bars put in next to the toilet and in the tub or shower, and have handrails put in on both sides of all stairs. 
• Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare. 
• Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.

Source/Resource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: National Center for Injury Prevention & Control fact sheet.