Fall Doc #3 Understanding Your Fall Risk & What You Can Do About It

Show Notes

In this episode of The Fall Doc Podcast, hosts Dennis Fraise and Dr. John Thompson tackle one of the most important—and misunderstood—topics in healthy aging: fall risk.

Are falls really just "bad luck"? Or are they often predictable and preventable?

Dennis and Dr. Thompson explore why so many people underestimate their risk of falling and how common misconceptions can keep older adults from taking simple steps to stay safe. They explain why strength training and balance exercises are essential—not just walking—and how small, consistent actions can make a big difference in confidence, independence, and quality of life.

Listeners will learn practical, easy-to-understand self-assessment techniques to help gauge their own fall risk and discover why fall prevention is sometimes overlooked in regular healthcare visits. Through personal stories and real-life examples, the hosts encourage everyone to start where they are, take it slow, and build a routine that feels achievable.

This episode is a reminder that it's never too late to work on your strength—and that preventing falls is one of the most powerful ways to protect your independence as you age.

Key Takeaways

• Falls are often predictable, not just bad luck
• Many people underestimate their fall risk due to common myths
• Strength training is essential for fall prevention
• Walking alone is not enough to reduce fall risk
• Self-assessments can reveal warning signs before a fall happens
• Fall prevention is often overlooked in healthcare conversations
• Small, consistent exercises lead to big improvements over time
• It's important to start slow and build up safely
• Regular strength training can boost confidence and balance
• It's never too late to begin improving your fitness and safety

Topics Covered

• Understanding your personal fall risk
• Why strength training matters for seniors
• Simple self-checks to spot fall dangers
• The role of healthcare professionals in fall prevention
• How to build habits that protect independence

Why This Episode Matters

Every year, millions of older adults experience falls—but many of those falls can be prevented with awareness, strength, and simple daily habits. This episode empowers listeners and caregivers with practical tools and encouragement to take control of fall risk before a serious injury happens.

Whether you're an older adult, a family caregiver, or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers hope, clarity, and actionable steps toward staying strong, steady, and independent.