September is National Falls Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about fall risks among older adults. At Age Safe® America, we know that falls can have serious consequences, and taking preventative steps can make a real difference
Falls in America are now the leading cause of death due to injury for those over 65, and account for 40% of all nursing home admissions. Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures, and are responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Nearly half of all seniors sustaining a fall DO NOT resume independent living.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week is observed each September. In 2025, Falls Prevention Awareness Week runs September 22–26, 2025, a national moment to focus on prevention and practical steps families can take.
Recent reports confirm the scale of the problem: over 14 million older adults (about 1 in 4 Americans age 65+) report a fall each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related visits and deaths in this age group. These trends underline why prevention must be a priority for families and communities in 2025.
A fall changes everything — personal stories
Many years ago, Age Safe® America coined the slogan, “A Fall Changes Everything.” Unfortunately, falls happen every day, and even a simple slip or distraction can have serious consequences.
Age Safe® America shares stories that illustrate how easily accidents can occur:
A person tripped over a speed bump in a parking lot, sustaining a minor wrist injury but receiving help from bystanders.
Another individual tripped over uneven sidewalk spots while walking a dog, resulting in minor scratches from nearby bushes.
In a third example, a shifted hanging planter caused someone to trip and hit their head during a move, leading to a mild concussion.
These examples show that simple distractions or environmental hazards, inside and outside the home, can quickly turn into serious accidents. They highlight the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. Working with trained professionals can provide an extra set of eyes to identify hazards, implement solutions, and help prevent the first fall.
Stories adapted from Age Safe® America’s Falls Prevention Awareness Month page.
Why prevention matters — the 2025 picture
- Scale: More than one out of four older adults falls each year, that’s over 14 million people. Many falls lead to emergency visits and long recoveries.
- Severity: In recent years fall-related deaths among older adults have risen; for example, provisional data show more than 41,000 fall-related deaths in 2023. These rising trends make prevention urgent.
These facts are not meant to alarm, they are meant to motivate action. Simple, consistent prevention steps make a measurable difference.
Fall Prevention for Seniors: Practical Strategies:
- Exercise to improve balance and strength
Evidence shows that regular balance and strength training is one of the most effective single strategies to reduce falls in older adults. Programs such as the Otago Exercise Program have reduced falls by roughly 35% in at-risk older adults; group classes like Tai Chi and structured balance classes also show significant reductions in injurious falls. Start small and aim for balance and strength exercises several times per week.
Examples:
- Heel lifts (rise onto tiptoes and lower)
- Toe lifts (lift toes while heels stay on the floor)
- Sit-to-stand from a sturdy chair (builds leg strength)
- Heel-to-toe walking for balance practice
- Make home safety changes (easy, high-impact fixes)
- Remove loose rugs and clear clutter from walkways.
- Improve lighting in entryways, hallways, and staircases.
- Install grab bars near toilets and in showers.
- Ensure stairs have secure handrails and non-slip treads.
A basic home safety assessment can uncover hidden hazards and identify inexpensive fixes that reduce risk dramatically.
- Address health contributors
- Review medications with a healthcare provider (many prescriptions increase dizziness or drowsiness).
- Have regular vision checks—vision problems are a major, modifiable risk factor.
- Manage chronic conditions and talk to clinicians about balance, gait, and mobility.
- Use technology thoughtfully (support, not substitute)
Wearable fall detectors and smart sensors can help with timely alerts, but they work best alongside prevention measures (exercise, home fixes, and medical reviews). Technology is an additional safety layer — not a replacement for evidence-based prevention.
DIY Fall Prevention vs. Professional Home Safety Assessment
Area | DIY actions (what families can do) | Professional Home Safety Assessment (what it adds) |
Hazard spotting | Walkthrough, remove rugs/clutter, add lamps | Trained assessor identifies hidden trip hazards, elevation issues, structural risks |
Exercise | Home exercises, videos, community classes | Tailored exercise plan or referral to PT/OT for high-risk individuals |
Equipment | Buy grab bars, non-slip mats | Proper measurement & professional installation of grab bars/rails |
Medical review | Schedule vision/med checks | Coordinated recommendations with clinicians; follow-up plans |
Confidence | Many low-cost improvements possible | Holistic plan + documentation for family/caregivers; peace of mind |
Take action today
Falls are preventable. Start with one change: try a balance exercise, schedule an eye exam, or walk through the home looking for tripping hazards. Small steps add up — and each one helps protect independence and quality of life. Contact us today!
