Final answer:
Gait problems are often cited as the most frequent cause of falls in the elderly, but postural hypotension, which may be exacerbated by conditions like diabetes, is also a significant factor. Managing underlying conditions can help reduce the risk of falls.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most frequent cause of falls in people aged 65 and older is often attributed to gait problems. However, postural hypotension, also known as orthostatic hypotension, is a significant contributing factor to why elderly individuals may experience falls. When someone suffers from postural hypotension, they may feel dizzy or lightheaded when standing up due to a drop in blood pressure. Conditions like diabetes can exacerbate this problem through peripheral nerve damage, which can in turn affect the sympathetic nervous system and lead to impaired postural responses. Addressing such underlying conditions, such as managing blood glucose levels in diabetes, may help to improve gait and balance issues, and thus reduce the risk of falls.