Name two common risk factors for falls in older adults.

• A. Visual impairment and polypharmacy
• B. High blood pressure and obesity
• C. Muscle weakness and gait instability
• D. Excellent vision and balance

Answer: (C)

Falls in older adults are often driven by declines in physical function that affect how well someone can maintain and regain balance. Two of the most common risk factors are muscle weakness and gait instability. When leg muscles lose strength and power, the ability to recover from a small misstep or from a slip is reduced, making a fall more likely. Gait instability—characterized by uneven steps, variable walking speed, and less stable foot placement—limits the body's ability to keep balance during routine movements and increases the chance of tipping or stumbling. These factors frequently occur together and are directly targetable through interventions like resistance training to build strength, balance and coordination exercises, and safe, supportive footwear and housing adaptations. While visual impairment and polypharmacy can contribute to fall risk in some individuals, the combination of weak muscles and unsteady walking is the most consistently observed and a primary focus for prevention. Excellent vision and balance are protective, not risk factors.