Which of the following is a risk factor for falls in seniors?

Muscle weakness is a significant risk factor for falls in seniors due to its direct impact on balance, stability, and overall mobility. As individuals age, loss of muscle mass and strength can compromise their ability to maintain proper posture and reaction time, making it harder to recover from slips or trips. This reduction in muscle power affects the lower extremities and core, which are crucial for maintaining balance and preventing falls. Strength training and resistance exercises are often recommended to mitigate this risk by enhancing muscle strength and function, ultimately promoting better balance and reducing the likelihood of falls in the senior population.

In contrast, while mental health disorders can contribute to a higher risk of falls, they do not directly impair physical balance and strength in the same way muscle weakness does. Excessive physical activity, if performed with proper guidance, is generally beneficial and does not directly correlate to increased fall risk. High levels of flexibility, while important for overall physical fitness, do not inherently create a fall risk and can be advantageous when combined with strength and balance training.