A national survey of 1,007 U.S. adults reveals that many Americans do not recognize common factors that increase the risk of falling.
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that significant portions of the population overlook psychological and physiological triggers for falls.
Many adults fail to recognize common fall risks
According to the survey results, 63 percent of respondents do not recognize anxiety or fear about falling as a risk factor. A new national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds that 60 percent of participants do not recognize hearing loss as a risk.
The survey also found that 74 percent of adults do not recognize that an urgent need to use the bathroom can increase the chance of a fall. Officials noted that such urgency can cause people to move too quickly or forget to use support devices like canes or walkers.
Changes in hearing can also impact a person’s balance. Anxiety regarding falls may lead individuals to avoid stairs, exercise, or other daily activities, which can further increase their overall risk.
When you’re not confident, you may avoid activities because you’re afraid you’re going to fall,
said Michelle Easley, a board-certified nurse practitioner at the Ohio State Fall Prevention Clinic. That fear of falling is actually one of the biggest risks of falling.
History of falling indicates future danger
Medical professionals at the Fall Prevention Clinic emphasize that a history of falling is a primary indicator of future danger. The number one risk for a fall is a previous fall,
Easley said.
The clinic’s approach involves reviewing a patient’s medications, walking patterns, and previous falls to create a personal care plan. Specialists may also refer patients to neurologists, eye doctors, or ear specialists if additional help is needed. Patients may receive physical therapy to improve strength and balance.
Easley recommends checking homes for hazards such as poor lighting, loose rugs, and difficult-to-use stairs. Rugs are a huge issue, and they need to be removed or secured,
Easley said.
It’s all about safety, not taking away independence.
Individuals should review medications with a pharmacist or healthcare provider because certain drugs can cause balance issues or dizziness. Activities like strength training, chair yoga, and tai chi may assist in improving balance and lowering fall risks.
Impact of fear on daily mobility
The fear of falling can have immediate consequences on a person's ability to move through their home. One individual, Melancon, shared his experience of regaining mobility after being afraid of stairs.
Following his program, Melancon began performing morning exercises at home and utilized athletic shoes for better support. One of the happiest days of my life was when Katherine came up to me and said, ‘You’re ready,’
Melancon said.
He has not experienced a fall since completing the program earlier this year. I’m not fearful anymore of steps,
Melancon said. I can go up and down any steps you want. They took that fear away from me.
Melancon encourages others facing a fear of falling to stay dedicated to their recovery and seek assistance. You can do this,
he said. If you make a commitment and have dedication, you’re going to do it.
Survey methodology and data collection
This study was conducted by SSRS on its Opinion Panel Omnibus platform, which is a national, probability-based survey that occurs twice per month. Data collection took place from October 1 through October 4, 2026, among a sample of 1,007 respondents. The survey was administered in English via web (n=977) and telephone (n=30).
The margin of error for total respondents is +/-3.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All SSRS Opinion Panel Omnibus data are weighted to represent the target population of U.S. adults ages 18 or older.