Next week, September 21–25, 2026, is Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common—and potentially serious—health risks facing older adults.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, with an estimated 684,000 people dying from falls each year. Adults over age 60 experience the greatest number of fatal falls.
Falls can result in broken bones, head injuries, hospitalizations, loss of independence, a reduced quality of life, and even death. But, it’s important to remember that many falls can be prevented by identifying risks and taking practical steps to improve strength, balance, vision, medication safety, and the home environment.
There is no single way to prevent every fall. Instead, fall prevention involves looking at several areas of your health and daily life.
Exercise and Stay Active: It may seem logical that being less active would reduce your chances of falling. In fact, the opposite is often true. Regular physical activity can help maintain muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and coordination. Activities that specifically improve balance and strength can be particularly helpful. Talk with your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have been inactive or have health concerns.
Check Your Shoes and Clothing: Are your shoes comfortable and securely fitted? Do they have good traction? Are your pants or other clothing items long enough to create a tripping hazard? A loose-fitting shoe or a pantleg that catches under your foot can cause a serious fall. Choose well-fitting, supportive footwear and clothing that allows you to move safely.
Review Your Medications: Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or changes in blood pressure—all of which can increase the risk of falling. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review all of your medications periodically, including vitamins and supplements. Never stop taking a prescribed medication without first talking with your healthcare provider.
Have Your Vision and Hearing Checked: Good vision is essential for identifying steps, uneven surfaces, obstacles, and other hazards. Hearing also helps you stay aware of what is happening around you. Keep up with recommended vision and hearing examinations and make sure your glasses and hearing aids are properly fitted and used.
Make Your Home Safer: Take a look around your home with fall prevention in mind. Remove loose rugs and clutter, keep frequently used items within easy reach, improve lighting, and make sure stairways and walkways are clear. Grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy handrails on stairs can provide important support. Nightlights can also make nighttime visits to the bathroom safer.
Use Assistive Devices Correctly: Canes, walkers, grab bars, and other assistive devices can provide valuable support. However, they need to be the right type and properly adjusted. If you use a cane or walker, ask a healthcare professional—such as a physical or occupational therapist—to make sure it is appropriate for you and that you know how to use it safely.
Pay Attention to Nutrition and Hydration: Eating a balanced diet and drinking enough fluids help support muscle function, energy, and overall health. Dehydration can contribute to weakness, dizziness, and confusion, which may increase the risk of falling. If you have been advised to limit fluids or follow a special diet because of a medical condition, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Know Your Fall Risks: Have you fallen before? Do you sometimes feel unsteady when walking or getting up from a chair? Do you hold onto furniture when moving around your home? These can be warning signs that you may be at increased risk. Tell your healthcare provider about falls or problems with balance so that they can help identify possible causes and recommend appropriate interventions.
Preventing falls also means creating communities where older adults can move around safely and confidently. Uneven sidewalks, inadequate lighting, poorly designed intersections, slippery surfaces, and inaccessible public buildings can create hazards. Age-friendly communities consider these issues when designing sidewalks, parks, transportation systems, housing, and public spaces. Several North Shore communities are working on age-friendly initiatives that address accessibility, mobility, transportation, housing, and other factors that help older adults remain active and engaged in their communities.
After a fall, it is understandable to become afraid of falling again. Unfortunately, avoiding activity because of that fear can lead to less strength and balance, which may actually increase the risk of another fall. Fall prevention is about staying active, identifying risks, and making thoughtful changes—not giving up the activities you enjoy.
This Falls Prevention Awareness Week, take a few minutes to consider your own fall risks. Talk with your healthcare provider, review your medications, look around your home for potential hazards, and find safe ways to stay active.
A fall doesn’t have to be a normal part of aging. Taking steps today can help you stay independent, active, and safe for years to come.