Older Adult Fall Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults in the United States. Learn about how to prevent falls and more on this page.

Page Sections

Questions? Contact us:
injuryprevention@bphc.org
617-534-5197
1010 Massachusetts Ave.

2nd floor

BOSTON, MA 02118

Ways to Prevent Falls

1. Exercise to improve your strength and balance

Aim to get at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted physical activity a day to keep your legs stronger, improve your balance, and lower your chances of falling. Consider joining an exercise class like Tai Chi or Matter of Balance.

2. Keep your home safe

More than half of all falls occur at home. Remove tripping hazards in your home like rugs, cords, and unnecessary furniture. Add home modifications such as grab bars in the shower and toilet area, handrails for the stairs, and improved lighting to prevent falls.

3. Manage your medications

Mismanaging or starting new medications can lead to side effects like dizziness, imbalance, and muscle weakness. Talk to your healthcare provider about side effects you may be experiencing and make sure to take your medications as prescribed.

4. Get screened for your falls risk

Ask your healthcare provider for a falls risk assessment and vision screening at your annual medical appointment. Knowing what your risk of falling is can help you track your progress and find ways to lower it.

Risk Factors

There are several risk factors that make an older adult vulnerable to falling.

Risk factors include:

lower body weakness
difficulties with walking and balance
inner ear issues
vision problems
medicines
home hazards

It's important that we provide the necessary information and resources to help prevent older adult falls.

Facts about older adult falls. "Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in adults age 65 and older. Keep yourself safe by following our falls prevention tips. People age 65 or older report falling each year. That’s over 14 million falls. Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Older adult falls result in $80 billion of medical bills every year." Pie chart with older adult falls outcomes: 72.9% sustain non-serious injuries, 18.7% have ER visits, 6.2% hospitalized, 2.1% deaths

Falls Myths and Realities

About 1 in 4 older adults will experience a fall in a year. Even though many older adults experience falls, there is still a lot of uncertainty about aging, falls, and fall prevention.

Myths about older adult falls

Falling is a normal part of aging
I won't fall if I limit my activity
If I stay at home, I can avoid falling
Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent
I don't need to talk to my family or doctor about my fear of falling. I don't want to worry them, and I want to keep my independence.

Realities of falls

Falling is not a normal part of getting older. Improving your health and balance can help prevent falls.
Physical and social activity can improve strength, balance, and independence
Over half of all falls happen at home. Removing fall hazards and making home repairs can help prevent potential falls.
Walking aids can help maintain or improve your mobility. Talk to a physical therapist on how to use these devices safely.
Fall prevention is a team effort. Talk to your family, friends, and doctor. They want to help you maintain your independence and prevent you from falling.

Local and State Resources

Age Strong Commission

We believe that Bostonians who are 55+ make our City strong and vibrant. Our mission is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so we can live and age strong in Boston together.

Mayor's Health Line

This provides residents with services like answering health insurance eligibility and enrollment questions, and finding primary care providers and other services.

Food Justice

The mission of the Mayor's Office of Food Justice (OFJ) is to build a food system that is equitable, resilient, sustainable, and just.

MADPH: Injury Prevention and Control Program

A program focused on preventing injury from falls.

Central Boston Elder Services

Providing support and services to the elderly and disabled in need of human services.

Ethos: Tai Chi

A free evidence based workshop focused on fall prevention and improved balance with Tai Chi.

Ethos: A Matter of Balance

A program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity among older adults.

BCYF Senior Programs

Community programs for Boston’s older adult residents.

Boston Home Center

Working with neighborhood agencies to assist seniors applying for minor or large home repairs.

ESAC: Senior Home Repairs

Protecting health and safety for seniors while maintaining and improving quality of life through senior home repairs.

Statewide Head Injury Program

This program provides services to eligible people with external traumatic brain injuries.

Fresh Truck

We are on a mission to strengthen communities by getting fresh food to the households that need it most.

Download Materials

What Can You Do To Prevent Falls (CDC)

Check for Safety Checklist (CDC)

Medications Can Be Linked to Injuries as We Age (CDC)

Statewide Head Injury Program (Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission)

About Our Work

Boston Public Health Commission's Injury Prevention Program, in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, has worked to find effective methods of incorporating brain health into our framework. Cognitive health is an important factor in healthy aging. Those living with dementia are amongst the most vulnerable. To strengthen the work we do in this area, we created a multi-year action plan. The plan brings attention to healthy aging issues, expands our collaborative efforts with local organizations, and develops and distributes resource materials. We use the Healthy Brain Initiative's State and Local Public Health Partnerships to Address Dementia: The 2018-2023 Road Map as a guide.

View Case Study