Researcher Urges Annual Medication Reviews as 20% of Seniors Fell Within 2 Years

1 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 22

A study of 2,454 adults 65 and older found about 20% had a first fall within two years, an event researchers said often marks a lasting decline in health and independence.
Nathalie van der Velde said one key prevention step is a yearly medication review, because dizziness, fainting and low blood pressure from drugs can trigger falls and may be corrected with different doses or alternatives.
By age 50, fall risk already starts rising, especially for sedentary people or those taking many medications; van der Velde also said falls can signal underlying illness such as cardiovascular disease.
At home, she advised removing hazards, improving lighting, wearing nonslip shoes, correcting vision, avoiding alcohol, rising slowly and being cautious with bifocals outdoors because they can impair depth perception on stairs and curbs.
Exercise and continued activity are the main defense, she said, recommending strength and balance work, supervised programs for older adults and wearables that can summon help without pushing people into inactivity.