Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for elder falls?

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for elder falls?

• A. Environmental hazards
• B. Impaired mobility
• C. High protein diet
• D. Vision problems

Answer: (C)

A high protein diet is not considered a risk factor for elder falls. In fact, adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength, which can be protective against falls. As adults age, they often lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia, which can increase their risk for falls. Ensuring that older adults have a balanced diet, including sufficient protein, can help enhance physical function and stability. In contrast, environmental hazards such as cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and slippery floors are well-known risk factors that can contribute to falls. Impaired mobility can result from muscle weakness, joint issues, or neurological conditions, directly impacting an individual’s ability to navigate safely. Vision problems, including decreased visual acuity or conditions like cataracts, can impair depth perception and spatial awareness, also increasing the likelihood of falls. Thus, the other options clearly relate to increased fall risk among older adults, while a high protein diet does not.

A high protein diet is not considered a risk factor for elder falls. In fact, adequate protein intake is essential for maintaining muscle mass and strength, which can be protective against falls. As adults age, they often lose muscle mass and strength, a condition known as sarcopenia, which can increase their risk for falls. Ensuring that older adults have a balanced diet, including sufficient protein, can help enhance physical function and stability.

In contrast, environmental hazards such as cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and slippery floors are well-known risk factors that can contribute to falls. Impaired mobility can result from muscle weakness, joint issues, or neurological conditions, directly impacting an individual’s ability to navigate safely. Vision problems, including decreased visual acuity or conditions like cataracts, can impair depth perception and spatial awareness, also increasing the likelihood of falls. Thus, the other options clearly relate to increased fall risk among older adults, while a high protein diet does not.