Which of the following is a common fall risk factor in older adults?

• A. Muscle weakness, gait problems, medications causing dizziness, cluttered environment, and improper footwear.
• B. Regular exercise reduces fall risk.
• C. Strong balance and absence of dizziness-inducing medications.
• D. Adequate hydration and nutrition.

Answer: (B)

Falls in older adults tend to happen when multiple risk factors come together, especially muscle weakness, gait problems, medications that cause dizziness, cluttered walking areas, and footwear that isn’t supportive or slips. These elements heighten the chance of losing balance or tripping. The idea that regular exercise reduces fall risk describes something that lowers risk, not something that increases it, so it’s not answering the question about risk factors. Similarly, having strong balance, no dizziness-inducing meds, and good hydration/nutrition are protective or supportive factors, not risks. Therefore, the factor described as risk—muscle weakness or gait problems with environmental and footwear risks—is the correct concept to identify a common fall risk factor.