Why Older Men and Women Fall Differently

Falls are one of the most serious health risks facing older adults. According to the National Institute on Aging, around one in four adults over 65 experiences a significant fall each year.

These incidents can lead to bruises, fractures, head injuries, and a loss of independence.

The good news is that many falls can be prevented by understanding why they happen and addressing individual risk factors.

Research shows that men and women often fall for different reasons, which means fall prevention strategies should not be the same for everyone.

Why Women Fall Differently

Women are around 50% more likely than men to experience a fall and sustain a non-fatal injury. Studies suggest that women are more likely to fall while walking, with walking-related incidents accounting for over 40% of female falls compared with less than 30% for men.

Women are also more likely to fall because of trips and stumbles. Changes in balance, muscle strength, and gait can contribute to this increased risk. In addition, menopause accelerates bone loss and increases the risk of osteoporosis, making fractures more likely when a fall occurs.

Fall Prevention Priorities for Women

Because women are more likely to fall while walking and are more vulnerable to fractures, prevention should focus on:

• Improving balance and lower-body strength through activities such as Tai Chi, walking, and strength training.
• Reducing trip hazards by removing loose rugs, securing electrical cords, and improving lighting throughout the home.
• Supporting bone health through regular exercise, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and osteoporosis screening where appropriate.
• Wearing supportive, non-slip footwear to improve stability during everyday activities.

Why Men Fall Differently

Although men fall less often than women, they are more likely to die from fall-related injuries. Head injuries and other severe trauma contribute to this higher mortality rate. Research suggests that men are often older when they experience a serious fall, increasing the likelihood of severe outcomes.

Men are also more likely to fall because of a loss of support from an object such as a chair, handrail, cane, or walker. In particular, they are more likely to fall when transitioning into a seated position rather than when standing up.

Fall Prevention Priorities for Men

Because men are more likely to fall during transfers and support-related activities, prevention should focus on:

• Practising sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit movements to improve control and stability.
• Ensuring chairs, handrails, canes, and walkers are sturdy, properly positioned, and correctly fitted.
• Maintaining leg strength and mobility through regular exercise.
• Addressing risk factors for severe injuries, including vision problems, medication side effects, and poor balance.
• Seeking early assessment after any fall, as injuries may be more serious even when symptoms initially seem minor.

Fall Prevention for Everyone

While the reasons for falling may differ between men and women, some prevention strategies benefit everyone:

• Stay physically active to maintain strength, flexibility, and balance.
• Improve lighting and use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms.
• Remove household tripping hazards and install grab bars where needed.
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet.
• Wear well-fitting, non-slip shoes.
• Have vision and hearing checked regularly.
• Review medications with a healthcare professional to identify those that may cause dizziness or unsteadiness.

Understanding how and why men and women fall differently allows for more targeted prevention.

Women benefit most from strategies that reduce walking-related trips and protect bone health, while men may benefit more from improving transfer safety and ensuring reliable support from mobility aids and furniture.

Tailoring fall prevention to these different risk patterns can help reduce injuries and maintain independence for longer.