Understanding Falls (and how to prevent them)
Falls are common, but they are not an inevitable part of getting older. For adults age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury, and more than one in four older adults reports falling each year. Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, loss of independence, and other serious consequences.
The good news is that many falls can be prevented. Understanding the factors that contribute to falls—and taking practical steps to address them—can help older adults remain active and independent.
Why Falls Matter
Falls are a significant public-health concern worldwide. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 684,000 people die from falls globally each year, making falls the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide. Adults over age 60 experience the greatest number of fatal falls. The WHO also estimates that about 37.3 million falls each year are serious enough to require medical attention.
In the United States, the burden is particularly significant among older adults. The CDC reports that more than 14 million Americans age 65 and older—about one in four—report falling each year. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in this age group.
A fall does not have to result in an obvious injury to have an effect. After a fall, some people become afraid of falling again and reduce their everyday activities. Reduced activity can contribute to weakness, which can in turn increase the risk of another fall.
What Can Increase the Risk of Falling?
Falls usually have more than one contributing factor. Age-related changes can affect strength, balance, mobility, vision, and other abilities that help a person move safely. Certain health conditions and medications can also contribute to fall risk. [2][4]
Vision
Vision plays an important role in navigating the environment safely. The CDC recommends that older adults have their eyes checked at least once a year and keep their eyeglass prescriptions up to date. Vision impairment can increase the risk of falling, while some health conditions associated with vision impairment may also contribute to fall risk.
Medications
Some medications can cause side effects such as dizziness or sleepiness, which may increase the risk of falling. The CDC recommends talking with a doctor or pharmacist about whether medications—including prescription and over-the-counter medicines—could contribute to fall risk.
Strength and Balance
Strength and balance are important components of fall prevention. The CDC recommends exercises that strengthen the legs and improve balance, with tai chi given as one example.
The Home Environment
Conditions inside the home can create opportunities for slips and trips. CDC recommendations include removing objects that could cause someone to trip, improving lighting, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and placing handrails on both sides of stairways.
These changes are relatively straightforward, but they can be an important part of a broader fall-prevention strategy.
What Can You Do to Reduce Fall Risk?
Fall prevention works best when it addresses the individual's specific risk factors rather than relying on a single solution. The CDC's STEADI initiative provides healthcare professionals with resources for screening, assessing, and addressing fall risk among older adults.
Practical steps include:
Talk with a healthcare professional about falls. Tell your doctor if you have fallen, feel unsteady when walking or standing, or are concerned about falling.
Review medications. Ask a doctor or pharmacist whether any medications could cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other effects that increase fall risk.
Work on strength and balance. Regular exercises designed to improve strength and balance can help reduce fall risk.
Have your vision checked. The CDC recommends an eye examination at least once a year for older adults.
Make the home safer. Remove trip hazards, improve lighting, add bathroom grab bars, and install handrails on stairs.
Discuss bone health with a healthcare professional. The CDC recommends osteoporosis screening and treatment when appropriate because stronger bones can help reduce the consequences of a fall-related fracture.
Prevention Is a Process
There is no single measure that eliminates the possibility of falling. Instead, prevention involves identifying individual risk factors and addressing them where possible.
For some people, that may mean changing the home environment. For others, it may involve reviewing medications, addressing vision problems, improving strength and balance, or discussing health conditions that can affect stability. The WHO identifies approaches such as gait, balance and functional training, home assessment and modification, and individualized fall-risk assessment among strategies for older adults.
Most importantly, falling should not simply be dismissed as something that naturally happens with age. The CDC specifically notes that falls can be prevented and encourages older adults to speak with healthcare professionals about their individual risk.
The Bottom Line
Falls are common and can have serious consequences, particularly for older adults. But many risk factors can be identified and addressed.
A safer home, regular strength and balance activity, appropriate vision care, medication review, and communication with healthcare professionals can all form part of a fall-prevention plan. Taking action before a fall occurs is one of the most effective ways to protect mobility and independence.
If you or someone you care for has fallen or feels unsteady, discussing the situation with a healthcare professional is an important first step.
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Sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Older Adult Falls Data,” February 26, 2026.
World Health Organization (WHO), “Falls,” April 26, 2021.
CDC, “Information for Older Adults,” Still Going Strong.
CDC, “About Vision Impairment and Falls Among Older Adults,” May 15, 2024.
CDC, “STEADI – Older Adult Fall Prevention.”
