Why Falling is a Serious Matter

It’s hard to imagine, but when Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was injured and needed hip replacement surgery, it wasn’t because of his 38,387 career points. He fell at a concert at age 76.

“I'd like to say I fell while trying to save a child from plunging over the balcony, but I just tripped,” he wrote in his Substack newsletter in 2023. “Hard for me to accept that a once world-class athlete just stumbled. But age is the great equalizer and humbles us all.”

Abdul-Jabbar is not alone—falls can lead to severe injuries, long-term disability and even death. And sure, a tumble can hurt your pride, but it also can reduce a person’s independence, quality of life and affect their mental health, too.

According to the CDC, three million older adults visit emergency departments for fall-related injuries annually. Up to 50% of those falls only lead to minor injuries, but they also cause up to 80% of traumatic brain injuries and 95% of hip fractures among people 65 and older.

Once a person falls, their chance of falling again doubles, but physical injuries aren’t the only thing to be concerned about. Falling once often leads to a fear of future falls, and studies show that anxiety over falls can be overwhelming—even for people who haven’t fallen yet.

A study in BMC Geriatrics found that between 20% and 85% of older adults experience a fear of falling, which significantly impacts their daily lives. In fact, 55% of them limit their activities because they fear a fall could cause them to lose their independence.

Those self-imposed limitations can create a vicious cycle, as inactivity leads to muscle weakness and poor balance—which can, in turn, increase the likelihood of falls.

The good news is whether you’ve fallen yet or not, there are ways to decrease your anxiety and risks of future accidents, such as:

• Exercise incorporating cardiovascular fitness, resistance training, balance and grip strength. These fitness qualities have been associated with reduced risks of falls and are a predictor of longevity.
• Fall-proof your home by installing bathroom grab bars, securing handrails on stairs and using non-slip mats. Also, make sure there is adequate lighting, the carpets are secure and there are no trip hazards (such as cords) in your path.
• Practice safe habits, such as wearing proper footwear, using a cane or walker if needed and rising slowly from sitting or lying positions to avoid dizziness.
• Address health conditions that affect your balance, such as vision and hearing problems, diabetes, heart disease and nerve disorders. In addition, talk to your provider about any medications you’re taking that may cause dizziness.

Remember, if you fall, even if you don’t feel hurt, it’s important to talk to your doctor to find out what caused it and avoid future falls.

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