What are the major risk factors for falls among older adults?

These risk factors include:

• Biological risk factors - Mobility problems due to muscle weakness or balance problems, chronic health conditions such as arthritis and stroke, vision changes and vision loss, loss of sensation in feet
• Behavioral risk factors - Inactivity medication side effects and/or interactions, alcohol use.
• Environmental risk factors - Home and environmental hazards (clutter, poor lighting, etc.), incorrect size, type, or use of assistive devices (walkers, canes, crutches, etc.), poorly designed public spaces
• Medication use

http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/images/CDC_Guide-a.pdf