Each year, the first day of fall marks Fall Prevention Awareness Day, a national effort led by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to spotlight one of the most serious, yet preventable, risks facing older adults. Falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors, but the good news is that most falls can be prevented with the right knowledge and a few practical changes.
The Numbers Behind the Awareness Day
According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older falls each year, and falling once roughly doubles the likelihood of falling again. About 37% of people who fall are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment. Each year, older adult falls result in about 3 million emergency department visits, roughly 1 million hospitalizations, and nearly 319,000 hospitalizations for hip fractures alone. In 2021, falls caused an estimated 38,000 deaths among adults 65 and older. NCOA estimates the financial toll at $80 billion annually, a figure projected to top $101 billion by 2030.
Just as important as the physical toll is the emotional one. Many older adults who fall develop a fear of falling again, which can lead them to limit activity and withdraw socially, becoming weaker over time and, ironically, increasing their fall risk further.
Know the Risk Factors
- A previous fall, which doubles the risk of another
- Vision loss, which nearly doubles fall risk
- Untreated hearing loss, which roughly triples fall risk (hearing aids cut that risk by about half)
- Lower-body weakness or balance difficulties
- Certain medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes or arthritis
- Home hazards like clutter, poor lighting, loose rugs, or missing grab bars
Simple Steps That Make a Real Difference
- Ask a doctor or pharmacist for a medication review, since some combinations increase dizziness.
- Schedule annual vision and hearing checks.
- Build strength and balance through activities like tai chi, walking, or chair exercises.
- Walk through the home room by room, securing rugs, improving lighting, and adding grab bars in bathrooms.
- Wear supportive, non-slip footwear rather than loose slippers.
- Use mobility aids, like a cane or walker, exactly as recommended, not just when convenient.
NCOA also offers a free, five-minute Falls Free CheckUp that helps seniors and families identify personal risk factors and next steps.
Fall Prevention Is a Team Effort
In our Georgia Living Senior Care Communities, safety is woven into everything from our floor plans and lighting to our wellness programming. This Fall Prevention Awareness Day, we encourage every family to take five minutes to walk through a loved one’s home with fresh eyes, or reach out to us to talk about how community living can reduce fall risk while supporting independence.