Are You One Of These Types Of People Most Likely to Fall? (Hint: It’s Not Just ‘Clumsy People’)

Let’s be real—nobody wants to think of themselves as “a fall risk.” That phrase makes it sound like you should be wrapped in bubble wrap and escorted everywhere by a team of highly trained spotters. But the truth is, falls don’t just happen to “old people” or those who are naturally unsteady. They happen to all kinds of people for all kinds of reasons. And if you’ve ever had a close call—or worse, a real fall—you know it’s not just about getting back up. It’s about that lingering fear, that feeling of being one step away from another tumble.

If you’ve ever thought, Why did this happen to me? You are not alone. Let’s talk about some of the most common types of people who experience falls. See if any of these sound familiar.

1. The “I Used to Be So Active” Type

You were the one who could hike for miles, chase after grandkids, or dance all night at weddings. You’ve always been strong, but lately, you’ve noticed that your legs don’t feel quite as steady as they used to. Maybe you tripped over a curb or lost your balance reaching for something. It’s frustrating because you still feel like the active person you’ve always been—but your body isn’t quite keeping up.

Sometimes, a major life event can be the turning point. Becoming a caregiver, losing a loved one, or recovering from a hospitalization can drastically change your routine and cause a sharp decline in activity. You may have put all your energy into caring for others or been forced into rest due to an injury, and suddenly, movement doesn’t feel as easy as it used to. The shift can be subtle, but over time, it makes a big impact.

You know that saying, “Use it or lose it”? Well, when it comes to movement, that couldn’t be more true. If we stop using our muscles, stop practicing balance, and let ourselves get a little too cozy on the couch, our bodies don’t just hit pause—they start to decline.

And here’s the kicker: staying still actually makes you more likely to fall. Yep, the very thing we think is “playing it safe” (moving less) can actually put us at a much higher risk of losing our balance and taking a tumble.

Let’s talk about why this happens—and more importantly, what we can do to stay steady on our feet.

Ever notice that after a long road trip or a lazy weekend, your legs feel a little stiff? That’s your muscles saying, "Hey, we need some action!" Now imagine weeks or months of not moving enough. Over time, muscles shrink (it’s called sarcopenia), and the ones that keep you steady—your core, legs, and feet—start to weaken.

What does this mean for you? When you go to step over a curb or turn too quickly, your body might not respond the way it used to. That’s when falls happen.

Studies show that people who don’t stay active are up to 50% more likely to fall than those who move regularly. Strength and balance training such as in The Fall Prevention Program can reduce fall risk by 25%—just by keeping your muscles working.

Imagine you suddenly stopped driving for a year. Would you feel confident getting behind the wheel again? Probably not! Balance works the same way—if you don’t use it, your body “forgets” how to react to small shifts in movement.

And let’s be real—life is full of little moments that challenge our balance. Catching your grandchild as they run toward you? Balance. Walking across a parking lot with uneven pavement? Balance. Standing up quickly from a chair? You guessed it—balance.

If you’re not practicing these movements regularly, your body won’t be ready for them when they happen.

Here’s the best part: no matter where you’re starting, you can improve your strength and balance—and dramatically lower your fall risk. Structured programs such as The Fall Prevention Program take the guesswork out of what you should do.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

2. The “Rushed and Distracted” Type

You’re always on the go—whether it’s handling errands, cooking, or keeping up with family life. You’re not slowing down for anything… until that one moment when you misjudge a step, trip over a pet, or slip on the floor. Maybe you’re carrying too much at once or rushing to the bathroom at night, but rushing can be a serious risk factor for falls.

Multitasking, moving too fast, or not paying attention can throw off your sense of balance. Slowing down and making small environmental changes (like adding better lighting or wearing supportive shoes) can make a huge difference.

I once worked with a truly remarkable woman—I’ll call her Nancy. Nancy, a petite and vibrant Peruvian, was once a professional ballerina with the New York Ballet. Even in her 80s, her love for dance had never faded.

But there was something else that had stayed with her—the habit of rushing. It wasn’t that she needed to hurry anymore, but after a lifetime of moving quickly, it had become second nature. How many of you can relate to that? 

One day, Nancy was rushing to catch an elevator. Just as the doors were closing, she reached forward to stop them—but in that split second, she lost her balance, fell, and broke her hip. After surgery, she came to me for therapy, not just to recover, but because she was determined to never let a fall stop her from dancing again. 

During our sessions, I shared something that changed the way she moved—the idea that mobility is like dance. 

Just like a beautifully choreographed routine, every movement in life has a rhythm and a tempo. The way we walk, turn, and reach can either be fluid and intentional, or rushed and careless. And when we move too quickly or without awareness, that’s when falls happen. 

Gradually, Nancy found her rhythm. She began moving with more awareness, more control, and yes—more grace. Over time, she returned to dance class with her four-wheeled walker. And one day, after weeks of dedication, she progressed enough to dance without it. That was a very happy day.

But here’s the thing—Nancy isn’t the only one who moves too fast or gets distracted by her environment. So many of us do.

Another thing that catches people off guard? Turning too quickly. Your vestibular system—your body’s internal balance mechanism—relies on smooth movements to maintain equilibrium. When you spin around too fast, your brain doesn’t always keep up, leading to dizziness, unsteadiness, or even a full-on fall. Sudden movements can throw off your balance, especially if your vestibular system has weakened over time. Take this as a sign to take your time today! In The Fall Prevention Program, our clients learn how to use mindfulness tools to avoid rushing, learn how to turn safely, reduce risk, and regain control of your mobility.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

3. The “I Just Got Up Too Fast” Type

You’re sitting down, watching TV, or lying in bed, and when you stand up—whoa. The room spins, your knees buckle, and suddenly you’re grabbing onto whatever is nearby to stay upright. Sound familiar?

What makes it even harder? You used to be able to pop right up and go. For years, getting up quickly was just a habit—something you did without a second thought. Now, having to slow down feels unnatural, maybe even frustrating. But adjusting your pace, even slightly, can help keep you safe.

I want to tell you about a client of mine—I’ll call him John. John is the kind of guy who never liked to sit still. Even in his 70s, he was always on the go—getting up quickly to answer the phone, grab a snack, or check the mail.

But then, the falls started happening.

John signed up for some one on one coaching with me to see if I could help him stop the falls from happening. “I don’t understand,” he told me. “I feel fine, then I stand up, and the next thing I know, I’m on the floor.”

After some testing, we figured it out—his blood pressure was dropping too quickly when he stood up. It’s something called orthostatic hypotension, and it happens when your body doesn’t adjust fast enough to the change in position. Instead of sending enough blood to your brain, your blood pressure dips, making you feel lightheaded—or even causing you to pass out for a split second.

John had never thought about how he stood up before. It was just something he did automatically—like most of us. At first, John wasn’t sure he could slow himself down. “I’ve been getting up fast my whole life,” he laughed. “This is going to take some practice.”

And it did. But with the strategies implemented in The Fall Prevention Program, it became second nature. The lightheadedness? Gone. The falls? Haven’t happened since. 

John still moves through life with energy, but now he does it on his terms—safely, confidently, and in control.

In The Fall Prevention Program, we teach you how to properly monitor blood pressure with the tools we provide to reduce your risk of lightheadedness since this is one of the leading causes of falls.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

4. The “My Home is My Obstacle Course” Type

Our homes often aren’t designed with fall prevention in mind. A few small tweaks—like securing rugs, adding grab bars, or improving lighting—can make your space much safer without making it look like a hospital room.

Maybe you’re thinking, But I have stacks of things to grab onto everywhere I go, so it keeps me safe. If that sounds like you, it might be time to rethink the setup. Clutter can actually increase your risk of falling, especially if it forces you to navigate narrow spaces. You might even avoid using a cane or walker indoors because there’s simply not enough room. And let’s be honest—things just get lost in the mess anyway. A clear, open space is a safer space.

In The Fall Prevention Program, we teach you easy ways to increase the safety of your home so that you can continue living there as long as possible without the risk and worry of having a fall. We equip you with the tools and knowledge to determine what home modifications would be most beneficial for you, because your home should feel like your sanctuary and facilitate your ability to maintain your independence, not hinder it.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

5. The “I Have a Few Health Challenges” Type

Arthritis, neuropathy, vertigo, vision changes—any of these can make balance trickier. Maybe your legs feel numb, or your joints ache, or your depth perception isn’t what it used to be. You might even be using a cane or walker but feel like you’re still struggling.

Chronic conditions can weaken muscles, reduce sensation, and affect coordination. But here’s the thing—there are ways to work with your body to improve stability and move more confidently. The Fall Prevention Program addresses chronic conditions giving effective strategies to overcome these challenges.

One of the biggest hurdles? Limiting beliefs. When doctors or well-meaning friends tell you, You can’t do that, it’s easy to start believing it. But there are safe ways to regain control and rebuild strength. You don’t have to settle for less movement—you just need the right approach.

In The Fall Prevention Program, we teach you functional strategies to overcome the challenges associated with various chronic conditions. Your chronic condition shouldn't define you and dictate what you are able to do. Our program aims to help you regain control of your life so you can get back to doing the activities you enjoy with the people you love.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM

The Good News? You Have More Control Than You Think

No matter which type (or types) you relate to, the important thing to remember is that falling is not an inevitable part of aging. You can improve your balance, strengthen your body, and move without fear. And I can help.

That’s exactly why I created Better Balance for Seniors—to give you the tools, exercises, and strategies to feel steady on your feet again. If you’re ready to take back your confidence, don’t hesitate - the time is now. The Fall Prevention Program is a comprehensive online course that will walk you step by step through every aspect of fall-proofing your life.

Most people try random balance exercises they find online… or wait for a doctor to tell them they "should be more careful." Some even spend thousands on physical therapy, only to be given a few generic exercises that don’t actually address why they’re falling. 

But fall prevention isn’t just about balance—it’s about your whole body working together. That’s why this program is designed to tackle every piece of the puzzle.

You can take control. You can move with confidence. And The Fall Prevention Program will show you how. It’s not just exercises, it’s a real transformation.

Because you deserve to move through life with ease, not fear.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FALL PREVENTION PROGRAM