Per the National Institute on Aging, more than one in four older adults fall each year. Falls are the most common injury for older adults, especially after illness, hospitalization, or changes in strength and mobility. Primary care providers often assess fall risk during routine visits using standardized tools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STEADI program, such as the 30-Second Chair Stand, which helps evaluate leg strength and balance in a supervised clinical setting. Assessment 30-second Chair Stand These assessments help determine whether you may benefit from additional safety strategies or support.

As we age, our mobility diminishes, and the aches, pains, and injuries increase. So, when our blood pressure medication contributes to a fall, and we’re hurt, what do the doctors do? Prescribe yet another medicine. Now there’s another, more powerful, pill to manage, and an addictive one at that, and one that can cause even more catastrophic falls. Is there a solution to this pain > injury > medication loop? Actually, there is.