Why might fall risk increase?
- Decrease in muscle strength and lower extremity performance
- Balance and gait disorders
- Vision or hearing problems
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Polypharmacy, including sedatives or blood pressure-lowering medications
- Neuropathy, vestibular disorders, and joint pain
- Home environmental risks
- Vitamin D deficiency or conditions associated with bone fragility
Which measurements can be useful?
A single test is not sufficient. Tests such as gait speed, chair stand, tandem stance, single-leg balance, handgrip strength, and when necessary, Timed Up and Go can provide information about functional capacity. Results should be interpreted together with age, height, pain, neurological status, and daily activity level.
What should exercise be like?
The WHO recommends regular physical activity aimed at improving balance in older adults with reduced mobility. It may be more meaningful when strength, balance, coordination, and gait training are planned together. The program should be progressive according to the individual’s current capacity; it should be individualized if there is pain, serious cardiovascular disease, or neurological problems.
Why is muscle strength important?
In fall risk, not only balance, but especially muscle strength around the legs and hips is also important. Sarcopenia and low muscle strength can make daily movements, climbing stairs, and recovery after a fall more difficult. For this reason, Sarcopenia and Muscle Strength assessment can be addressed together with a healthy aging plan.
Home and environmental modifications
Simple environmental factors such as slippery floors, loose rugs, inadequate lighting, improper slippers, and lack of support in the bathroom can increase the risk of falls. If the risk is high, home layout and the need for assistive devices should also be evaluated.
Our approach at our Bodrum clinic
We do not view balance and fall risk simply as “old age.” Muscle strength, gait, blood pressure, medications, vision/hearing, neuropathy, joint pain, and body composition are evaluated together. If necessary, a plan is made along with VO₂max/cardiorespiratory capacity, Longevity, and pain assessments.
Frequently asked questions
Does falling once mean a serious risk?
Not every fall means the same thing. However, if there are recurrent falls, dizziness, fainting, new weakness, or a marked gait disturbance, the cause should be investigated.
Is balance exercise alone sufficient?
It may be beneficial for some individuals; however, because fall risk is multifactorial, strength, medications, vision, blood pressure, and environmental risks should also be evaluated.
References
Written and medically reviewed by: Dr. Kerem Çağlayan
Last medical review: September 10, 2026
