Fall Prevention Quiz: Learn Your Risk

Date: November 15, 2017

As we age the impact of a bad fall can become more serious. Recovery times become longer and some injuries, such as hip, wrist, and pelvic fractures can have a lasting impact on quality of life. Older Canadians have a higher risk of falling than most. Every year, one in three Canadians over age 65 will fall—often with serious consequences.

Fortunately, many of these falls can be prevented if you take the right precautions.

The first step is figuring out where you stand when it comes to balance and mobility. Take this simple yes or no questionnaire to determine if you have an increased chance of falling:

Your Physical Health:

Are you over the age of 65?
Do you take prescription medication?
Do you take pills to help you sleep?
Have slipped, tripped or fallen in the past year?
Has it been more than a year since you had your eyes checked?
Has it been more than a year since you had your hearing checked?
Do you ever feel dizzy, lightheaded or weak?
Do you have stiff joints, foot problems, or weak muscles?
Do you lose your balance or feel unsteady when reaching or getting out of a chair?
Are you afraid of falling?

Your Activities

Do you wear slippers with leather or cloth soles in the house?
Do you reach or climb for things that are not easily at hand?
Do you have a pet such as a cat or dog?
Do you rush to get things done?

Your Household

Does your home have loose rugs, scatter mats, or exposed extension cords?
Do you have to walk around furniture on the way to the bathroom from your bedroom?
Are there rooms or hallways in your home that are not well lit?
Are there staircases that are steep or don’t have handrails?
Is the house cluttered?
Do you have difficulty getting in or out of the bathtub or shower?
Do you have difficulty getting on or off the toilet?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, you have an increased risk of falling. The more you answered YES, the greater your risk of falling. Use these helpful blog posts from the past to stay healthy and reduce your risk of falling:

Canada’s chiropractors are committed to reducing injury and disability from falls. For information on how to reduce hazards in your home and how to improve your strength and balance, ask your local chiropractor.