What is a key modifiable risk factor for falls in older adults?

• A. Vision impairment
• B. Home hazards and medication-related dizziness
• C. Age
• D. Physical inactivity

Answer: (B)

Understanding falls risk in older adults is most effective when you focus on factors you can change to reduce risk. The best choice reflects modifications you can make in the person’s environment and medication use. Home hazards such as clutter, loose rugs, poor lighting, and lack of grab bars create obvious tripping and slipping risks and can be addressed with environmental tweaks. Medications that cause dizziness, drowsiness, or orthostatic hypotension—often from sedatives, blood pressure drugs, or those with anticholinergic effects—can be adjusted or reconsidered under clinician guidance, which can directly lessen instability and the chance of a fall. While vision impairment and physical activity play roles in falls risk, vision issues may require recurrent treatment and activity changes take time, and age itself cannot be modified.