07/08/2026
Fear of Falling ? You may have a good reason to be concerned but ... Our practice of Tai Chi (Ranked #1 in Meta Studies) is a time tested universally accepted way to prevent falls as we age.
Fear of Falling
The first time your doctor asks how many times you have fallen in the past year may come as a surprise. However, this question is part of standard preventive care required by Medicare.
Roughly 1 million patients are hospitalized each year with fall-related injuries. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Hip fractures carry a 20% to 25% mortality risk within the first year and may result in permanent loss of independence. Fractures of the pelvis, spine and femur can lead to death and long-term disability.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
• About 14 million adults ages 65 and older — roughly 1 in 4 — report falling at least once each year.
• Fewer than half of older adults who fall report it to their doctor.
• 37 percent of those who fall report an injury serious enough to require medical treatment or limit activity for at least one day.
• Falls among older adults account for about 3 million emergency department visits and approximately 1 million hospitalizations each year.
• More than 41,000 older adults died from unintentional falls in 2023. Data for 2024 and 2025 are still being compiled.
Fall risk factors
Common causes of and risk factors for falls in older adults include:
• Safety hazards in the home, such as throw rugs, or in the community, such as broken curbs or uneven sidewalks
• Reduced proprioception, or awareness of the body in space
• Poor vision
• Vertigo or inner ear problems
• Slower reflexes
• Medical conditions affecting balance, including diabetes, heart disease, or thyroid, nerve, foot or vascular disorders
• Incontinence or overactive bladder that causes rushing to the bathroom
• Mild cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia
• Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass
• Sudden drops in blood pressure when standing up (postural hypotension)
• Gait disorders associated with Parkinson’s disease, spinal stenosis or stroke
• Foot pain
• Unsafe footwear, such as flip-flops, backless shoes or high heels
• Medication side effects, including dizziness or confusion
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Arthritic knees or hips
• Stiff ankles
• A forward-flexed posture caused by spinal rounding, which shifts the center of gravity forward
Preventive Measures
Keep moving
The most important step in preserving balance and flexibility is staying physically active. Regular exercise builds muscle, maintains flexibility and slows bone loss related to osteopenia and osteoporosis. Daily walking helps preserve coordination and joint health. Balance can be improved by standing on one leg during routine activities such as cooking or brushing your teeth. Another good balance exercise is heel-to-toe walking, toe to ankle as though you were on a tightrope. Strong muscles support balance, so include strength training with weights or resistance bands. Yoga, Pilates and tai chi can improve balance, coordination and muscle strength. Talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program, especially if you have been sedentary
Come join us twice a week at the St Pete Beach Community Center and begin a fun program designed to enhance our safety and allow us many more "safe" years to navigate the planet.
