CDC: Reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. 　

Emergency Message System

August 19th, 2023

Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Falls Are Serious and Costly

One out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury.

What Can Happen After a Fall?

Many falls do not cause injuries. But one out of five falls does cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. These injuries can make it hard for a person to get around, do everyday activities, or live on their own.

Falls can cause broken bones, like wrist, arm, ankle, and hip fractures.

Falls can cause head injuries. These can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury.

Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.

What Conditions Make You More Likely to Fall?

Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are called risk factors. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls. Click here for the list of risk factors.

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.

What You Can Do to Prevent Falls

Falls can be prevented. These are some simple things you can do to keep yourself from falling.

TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR

Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to evaluate your risk for falling and talk with them about specific things you can do.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy.

DO STRENGTH AND BALANCE EXERCISES

Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance. Tai Chi is a good example of this kind of exercise.

HAVE YOUR EYES CHECKED

Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.

MAKE YOUR HOME SAFER

Get rid of things you could trip over.

Add grab bars inside and outside your tub or shower and next to the toilet. Put railings on both sides of stairs. Make sure your home has lots of light by adding more or brighter light bulbs.