Free self-check · 1 minute
Fall Risk Self-Assessment
Based on the CDC's clinically validated STEADI “Stay Independent” questionnaire, this 12-question self-check takes about a minute. Answer honestly, get your score, and see what it means — plus encouraging, practical steps you can start today.
0 of 12 answered
1.I have fallen in the past year.
2.I use, or have been advised to use, a cane or walker to get around safely.
3.Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking.
4.I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home.
5.I am worried about falling.
6.I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair.
7.I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb.
8.I often have to rush to the toilet.
9.I have lost some feeling in my feet.
10.I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel light-headed or more tired than usual.
11.I take medicine to help me sleep or improve my mood.
12.I often feel sad or down.
Answer all 12 questions to see your result.
Falls aren't an inevitable part of aging
It can feel that way — but the research says otherwise. Studies show that a significant proportion of falls in older adults are preventable, and that the factors flagged in this questionnaire all respond to action. Leg strength and balance improve with gentle, consistent exercise. Medicines can be reviewed and adjusted. Homes can be made safer. Vision problems can be corrected.
The most important thing you can do right now is share your result with your doctor and start a daily routine that works on balance and leg strength — the two biggest physical contributors to fall risk.
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Common questions
How do I know if I am at risk of falling?
The 12-question self-check above is a great starting point. Key risk factors include a history of falls, feeling unsteady while walking, needing furniture for balance, rushing to the toilet, taking medicines that cause dizziness, and reduced sensation in the feet. A score of 4 or higher on this questionnaire is worth discussing with your doctor.
What is a fall risk assessment?
A fall risk assessment is a structured way to identify factors that raise the likelihood of a fall. Clinicians often combine the STEADI questionnaire (used here) with physical tests such as the Timed Up and Go and single-leg balance holds. This self-check covers the questionnaire portion — it is a useful starting point, not a clinical evaluation.
How can seniors reduce their risk of falling?
The four most impactful steps: do regular leg-strength and balance exercise (chair stands, heel raises, single-leg holds near a wall); have your medicines reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist; get an annual vision check; and remove trip hazards at home while adding grab bars in the bathroom. All of these are very actionable — most people see real improvement within a few weeks of consistent effort.
Are falls a normal part of getting older?
Falls are common but not inevitable. Research consistently shows that a substantial share of falls in older adults can be prevented through targeted exercise, home modifications, and medicine reviews. Leg strength, balance, and reaction time all respond to regular, gentle training — even later in life. If you have fallen, telling your doctor is important: they can identify the underlying cause and put a prevention plan in place.
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