Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition - My Health, My Safety, My MedicationsThink Tall, Prevent a Fall

Hand on walking stick

Fear of Falling

Many older Arizonans experience something that may be more common than actually experiencing an injury from a fall. Their fear of falling means that they lack the self-confidence to perform their every day, normal activities. This may be due to a history of falls, but some people who have never fallen also suffer from the fear of falling.

Fear of falling can lead to avoidance of activities. Sometimes restricting certain activities can improve your safety, such as avoiding step stools or ladders, however, activity restriction can mean that you avoid activities that you could perform safely. The danger is that you may become more sedentary, which leads to decreased physical conditioning which, in turn, can actually increase your risk of falls.

Fear of Falling graphic

In addition to decreased physical activity, a person with fear of falling may also experience:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Problems with walking and balance
  • Use of a walking aid such as a walker or cane
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Social isolation
Resources, Tools, and Websites

Self Assessment

The following links will take you to some tools that will help you evaluate your balance confidence. Print them out, complete the forms and review your results with your doctor.

The Modified Falls Efficacy Scale (MFES)
14 questions to determine how confidently seniors feel they can undertake activities on a scale of 0 (no confidence) to 10 (completely confident).

The Activities Balance Scale
Indicate your level of self confidence on a number of activities by choosing a number on a rating scale from 0% (no confidence) to 100% (completely confident).

Help for fear of falling

Many factors contribute to fear of falling. The most successful treatment programs will address a variety of these factors including:

  • Education
  • Improving the safety of your environment
  • Discussion of risk-taking behaviors
  • Assertiveness training
    • Learning to ask for help when needed
    • Be comfortable discussing fear of falling with family, friends, and healthcare providers

Improving physical fitness is also important in reducing fear of falling.  A variety of therapies and community programs are available to help. Physical therapists can help improve strength, balance, mobility, and even teach you how to safely get up from the floor.  Occupational therapists can assess the safety of your home and provide treatment to improve mobility and function with daily activities.  

The following links will give you more information on physical and occupational therapy.

Community based programs such as Tai Chi or Matter of Balance may also be beneficial in reducing the fear of falling. Use the zip code search in our Physical Activity Resource Locator to find local physical activity programs close to your home.

More questions?

If you have questions about a fear of falling, your risk of falls and your health, please consult your doctor.

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