How common are falls in older adults?

Very common. More than one in four adults 65 and older fall each year -- about 14 million people -- and falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in that age group. But most falls can be prevented.

What's the most effective way to prevent falls?

Regular strength and balance exercise is the single most effective step -- programs like Tai Chi or "A Matter of Balance" cut falls. Pair it with a medication review, a yearly eye exam, and simple home fixes.

Which medications raise fall risk?

Some blood-pressure drugs, sedatives and sleep aids, certain antidepressants, and medicines that cause dizziness or drowsiness can raise the risk, especially in combination. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review everything you take, including over-the-counter items.

How do I make a home safer from falls?

Remove throw rugs and clutter, add grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs, improve lighting (especially night-lights to the bathroom), keep often-used items within easy reach, and wear supportive shoes indoors instead of socks or loose slippers.

Are there free fall-prevention classes near me?

Often yes. Evidence-based classes like Tai Chi for Arthritis and A Matter of Balance are offered free or low-cost through senior centers and the Area Agency on Aging. Ask the Elder Helpline what's running near you.

What should I do after a fall?

Tell your doctor even if you feel fine -- one fall raises the odds of another, and the doctor can look for the cause. If someone is hurt or can't get up, call 911. A medical alert button can summon help when no one is nearby.

Home › Making the home safe › Fall prevention

Preventing falls, the biggest risk to staying independent

A single fall can change everything, and yet most falls can be prevented. Here are the numbers, the four moves proven to work, and the free local classes that help older adults stay steady on their feet.

Last reviewed: August 10, 2026

The short version:

1 in 4 seniors falls each year (CDC) -- about 14 million older adults.
Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury death for people 65 and older.
Most falls are preventable. Four moves make the biggest difference.
Exercise is the top one: strength and balance classes like Tai Chi lower falls.
Free classes exist locally through senior centers and the Elder Helpline.

Common questions

How common are falls in older adults?: More than one in four adults 65 and older fall each year -- about 14 million people -- and falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related death in that age group. Most, though, can be prevented.
What's the most effective way to prevent falls?: Regular strength and balance exercise, like Tai Chi or "A Matter of Balance," is the single most effective step. Add a medication review, a yearly eye exam, and simple home fixes.
Which medications raise fall risk?: Some blood-pressure drugs, sedatives and sleep aids, and certain antidepressants can cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially in combination. Have your doctor or pharmacist review everything you take, including over-the-counter items.
How do I make a home safer from falls?: Remove throw rugs and clutter, add grab bars and stair handrails, improve lighting (night-lights to the bathroom), keep everyday items within reach, and wear supportive shoes indoors instead of loose slippers or socks.
Are there free fall-prevention classes near me?: Often yes. Tai Chi for Arthritis and A Matter of Balance are offered free or low-cost through senior centers and the Area Agency on Aging. Ask the Elder Helpline what's running near you.
What should I do after a fall?: Tell your doctor even if you feel fine -- one fall raises the odds of another. If someone is hurt or can't get up, call 911. A medical alert button can bring help when no one is nearby.

Why it matters

Falls aren't a normal part of aging, but they get more common and more serious with age. The CDC reports that more than one in four older adults falls each year, and falls are the number one cause of both injuries and injury deaths for people 65 and up. A fall can lead to a broken hip, a fear of falling that shrinks someone's world, or a move out of the home. The encouraging part: the risk factors are things you can act on.

The four moves that work

Move your body. Strength and balance exercise is the most effective single step. Free, senior-friendly classes like Tai Chi for Arthritis and A Matter of Balance are built for this.
Review your medicines. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to look at everything you take, including over-the-counter and supplements -- some cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially together.
Check your eyes. Get a vision exam every year, and be careful the first days with new glasses or bifocals on stairs.
Fix the home. Remove throw rugs, add grab bars and handrails, brighten the lighting, and clear walkways. See making the home safe.

Make the bathroom and stairs safer

Most falls happen at home, and the bathroom and stairs are the danger spots. Grab bars by the toilet and in the shower, a walk-in shower or tub, a shower seat, night-lights, and sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs all cut the risk. Our guides on bathroom safety, walk-in tubs, and ramps walk through each, with local providers and costs.

Free local classes

Evidence-based fall-prevention classes are offered free or low-cost through senior centers and the Area Agency on Aging across the tri-county area. Call the Elder Helpline to find one near you, and consider a medical alert button so help is one press away if a fall does happen.

Sources

CDC -- Facts about falls (older adults). https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
CDC -- STEADI: Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries. https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient-resources/index.html
National Council on Aging -- Falls prevention facts & evidence-based programs. https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention/

Please read: Nature Coast Senior Home is an independent guide, not a medical provider, and this is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program or changing medications. We don't collect or sell your information.