A fall is one of the most common events that threaten the independence of older adults. Each year, up to a third of older adults living in the community suffers a fall. This number increases to almost two thirds among older adults who have a history of a fall in the past year. About half of all people in nursing homes fall each year. The following are questions you can ask your health care provider concerning falls.

1. Someone I know fell recently, is it a sign of aging?
2. What causes a fall?
3. What should I do after a fall?
4. How could I prevent a fall next time?
5. Are there exercises that help prevent falling?
6. Are there things I can do to prevent hurting myself if I do fall?
7. Is there a test that the doctor can order for me to see if I am likely to fall?
8. What medical conditions can increase my risk of falling?
9. Will limiting my activities prevent me from falling?
10. Because of the fall should I limit my activities?
11. I heard, if I fall, I would end up in a nursing home. Is that true? And how can I prevent it?