The Impact of Falls in Older Adults Falls are the most common cause of injury-related death in people over 75 in the UK. Even non-fatal falls can lead to fractures, loss of confidence, social isolation, and a downward spiral of reduced activity and further weakness. The good news? Up to 40% of falls are preventable with the right physiotherapy intervention. Why Do Older Adults Fall? Falls rarely have a single cause. Common contributing factors include: Muscle weakness — particularly in the legs and core Poor balance — reduced proprioception and vestibular function Medication side effects — dizziness, drowsiness, or blood pressure changes Vision problems — affecting depth perception and obstacle detection Home hazards — loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways Chronic conditions — arth