About This Fall Risk Self-Check
Falls are a leading cause of injury in adults 65 and older and can lead to fractures and long hospital stays. The CDC reports that about 1 in 4 older adults falls each year.
This tool reproduces the 12-item "Stay Independent" brochure from the CDC STEADI initiative, based on a fall risk questionnaire validated by Rubenstein et al. (2011). Falling in the past year and using a cane or walker score 2 points each; every other item scores 1. A total of 4 or more means you may be at risk of falling. Even below 4, answering yes to having fallen, feeling unsteady, or worrying about falling calls for further assessment.
The CDC stresses that no single test is enough. Clinicians add functional tests such as the Timed Up and Go (12 seconds or longer indicates risk), the 30-Second Chair Stand (compared with age and sex norms), and the 4-Stage Balance Test (whether you can hold a tandem stance for 10 seconds). This result is a screening aid, not a diagnosis; if any item applies, discuss it with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not necessarily. A checklist is a screening tool and can miss risk. If you have fallen or feel unsteady, talk to your doctor regardless of the score.
Sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and diuretics can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or orthostatic hypotension. Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist regularly.
Balance and strength exercise, including tai chi, reduced falls in a 2019 Cochrane systematic review. Grab bars, good lighting, and removing tripping hazards at home also help.