Published on October 26, 2026
The elderly are often at a risk of falling due to multiple health issues such balance problems, depression, or intake of medications that cloud the brain, among other causes. A fall may lead to fractures and make the person bed-ridden. Elderly people often have a concern about falling, which leads them to avoid activities that they are still capable of performing. This “fear of falling” may be present even in the absence of a previous fall.
The fear of falling can result in anxiety, social isolation and a decreased quality of life. By avoiding moving, the muscles undergo wasting and become weak, and the joints may stiffen, effectively worsening mobility. Some people go to the extreme extent of avoiding daily activities and need full time care.
Treatment of “fear of falling” needs a multidisciplinary approach and should be individualized for each patient. It usually involves the following:
The healthcare provider does an initial assessment to assess the risk of falling. Problems that can be addressed such as minimizing prescriptions may be explored. The immediate surroundings may need some changes. For example, throw rugs may need to be removed, and grab bars may be needed, especially in the bathrooms.
An exercise program consisting of exercises such as muscle strengthening and balance exercises is often advised. In addition, psychologists could address the mental aspects through cognitive-behavioral therapy, thereby reducing fear and enhancing self-confidence.
In addition to the above interventions, talking to patients and educating them about the importance of remaining active and overcoming any fear of walking can help to keep the elderly on their feet and independent as long as their health permits.
Reference:
Chen WC, Li YT, Tung TH, Chen C, Tsai CY. The relationship between falling and fear of falling among community-dwelling elderly. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021 Jul 2;100(26):e26492. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000026492.
Kolpashnikova K, Harris LR, Desai S (2023) Fear of falling: Scoping review and topic analysis using natural language processing. PLoS ONE 18(10): e0293554. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0293554
Ana Rita Capela Oliveira, Carla Maria Pintado Magueja, Armando Manuel Gonçalves de Almeida. Actions to control the fear of falling in older people: An umbrella review,
Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, Volume 141, 2026, 106087
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2025.106087.
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