You Haven’t Fallen Yet — These 8 Changes Can Signal Your Risk Is Increasing

Trouble rising from a chair, holding onto furniture, dizziness, and changes in walking can signal increasing fall risk before the first fall happens. Early action may help older adults remain safer and independent. CGN089/Shutterstock

You don’t have to hit the floor before your fall risk deserves attention. Subtle changes (grabbing the counter when you turn, avoiding stairs you once climbed easily, or feeling briefly dizzy when you stand) can appear long before someone describes themselves as “at risk of falling.” That’s important because the CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older, and the age-adjusted fall death rate rose 21% between 2018 and 2024. That said, many contributing factors can be identified and addressed before a serious injury happens. If you’re over 65, these eight changes are worth noticing even if you haven’t fallen once.

1. You’re Using Furniture to Steady Yourself