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Falls Prevention Week: Why 1 in 4 Seniors Fall Yearly

Infographic showing 1 in 4 older adults fall each year, over 14 million falls annually, and $101 billion in projected fall-related medical costs by 2030

Last updated: September 17, 2026

[Key Takeaways]

  • About 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older experience a fall each year, adding up to more than 14 million falls annually among older Americans.
  • Fall-related medical costs are projected to reach roughly $101 billion per year by 2030 as the older adult population grows.
  • Home safety upgrades, balance and strength exercises, and regular medication and vision reviews are among the strategies that may help reduce fall risk.
  • Certain warning signs after a fall — such as a head injury, loss of consciousness, or inability to bear weight — call for prompt medical evaluation.
  • Wearable devices and smart home sensors are emerging as tools that may help support fall detection and prevention efforts.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a licensed healthcare professional regarding your own health situation.

It is written in the hope that it can be of even a little help to many readers.

Overview

Every September, National Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 21–25 in 2026) draws attention to one of the most common, and most preventable, safety issues facing older adults. Falls are not simply a matter of bad luck. They are closely tied to identifiable risk factors, many of which can be addressed through changes at home, in daily habits, and in coordination with a healthcare provider. This guide walks through why falls prevention matters, what commonly contributes to falls, and practical steps that may help reduce risk for adults age 65 and older.

Why Falls Prevention Matters for Older Adults

Falls are a leading safety concern for older Americans, and they are far more common than many people assume. Roughly 1 in 4 adults age 65 and older reports falling at least once a year, adding up to more than 14 million falls annually among older adults in the United States.[1]

[1] Moreland et al., MMWR (2020)

The consequences extend well beyond the moment of the fall itself. Falls are associated with a significant share of injury-related hospitalizations among older adults, and they are a leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in this age group.[1] As the U.S. population continues to age, the financial impact is also expected to grow substantially: medical costs related to older adult falls are projected to reach approximately $101 billion per year by 2030.[2]

[1] Moreland et al., MMWR (2020)
[2] CDC, Cost of Older Adult Falls

This growing burden is part of why the National Council on Aging and other public health organizations coordinate National Falls Prevention Awareness Week each September, timed around the first day of fall.[1] The observance is intended to raise awareness of practical, low-cost steps that may help reduce fall risk, many of which are covered in the sections below.

[1] NCOA, Get the Facts on Falls Prevention

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Falls

Falls typically result from a combination of factors rather than a single cause. Researchers generally group these into two categories: internal (physical) factors related to a person's own body, and external (environmental) factors related to their surroundings.[1]

[1] Fall Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults, umbrella review

Internal factors include age-related declines in muscle strength and balance, reduced vision or depth perception, chronic conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, and orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure that occurs when standing up too quickly, which can cause brief dizziness or lightheadedness. External factors include home hazards such as loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, and unsafe footwear.

Risk Factor Type Common Examples Why It Matters
Internal (Physical) Reduced muscle strength, balance changes, vision decline, chronic conditions, orthostatic hypotension Affects how the body detects and reacts to a loss of balance
External (Environmental) Loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways, unsafe footwear, lack of grab bars Creates hazards that even a steady walker can trip over
Medication-Related Sedatives, certain blood pressure medications, taking multiple prescriptions (polypharmacy) May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or a drop in blood pressure upon standing

Taking multiple prescription medications at once, sometimes called polypharmacy, is associated with a higher likelihood of falls among older adults.[1] Certain drug classes carry a particularly notable association with fall risk, including sedatives and tranquilizers, some antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications (particularly loop diuretics, or when a new prescription is first started), which can occasionally contribute to lightheadedness or orthostatic hypotension.[2] Because medication needs and interactions change over time, a periodic medication review with a physician or pharmacist may help identify combinations that could be contributing to unsteadiness, and adjustments should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider rather than on one's own.

[1] Xue et al., BMC Geriatrics (2021)
[2] Lee et al., Int J Environ Res Public Health (2022); Antihypertensive Use and Recurrent Falls, Health ABC Study; New loop diuretic prescriptions and falls; Orthostatic Hypotension and Falls, JAMDA (2018)

Home Safety Checklist: Reducing Fall Hazards

Because most falls among older adults occur at home, adjusting the living environment is one of the more accessible ways to help address external risk factors.[1] Consider the following areas when evaluating a home for fall hazards:

[1] Epidemiology of Falls Among Older Adults in Portugal

  • Improve lighting. Add nightlights along hallways and near stairs, and use higher-wattage bulbs in commonly used rooms so that pathways are easier to see after dark.
  • Clear walking paths. Secure or remove loose rugs, tape down electrical cords along walls, and keep hallways and stairways free of clutter.
  • Add bathroom support. Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub, and use a non-slip mat or textured strips on wet surfaces.
  • Reinforce stairways. Make sure handrails are sturdy and extend the full length of the staircase on both sides, if possible.
  • Choose supportive footwear. Favor shoes with non-slip soles and good support over loose slippers or socks alone, especially on hard flooring.
  • Rearrange frequently used items. Store commonly used kitchen and closet items within easy reach to avoid climbing or overreaching on a step stool.

These changes are generally low-cost and can often be made gradually, one room at a time, without requiring a major renovation.

Exercises and Balance Training That May Help Reduce Fall Risk

Physical activity that targets strength, balance, and flexibility is one of the more consistently studied approaches to fall risk reduction. Structured balance training, including practices such as tai chi, is associated with improved balance and may help reduce fall risk among older adults.[1]

[1] Tai Chi for fall prevention and balance improvement, systematic review (2023)

Beyond tai chi, general strength training for the legs and core, along with balance-focused movements such as standing on one foot (with support nearby) or heel-to-toe walking, may help maintain the muscle and coordination needed to recover from a stumble before it becomes a fall. Chair-based exercise programs can offer a lower-impact starting point for those with limited mobility or recent injuries. A physical therapist or a program such as a community-based falls prevention class can help tailor an exercise routine to individual ability and health status, which is generally advisable before starting a new exercise program.

Vision, Medication Reviews, and Regular Health Checkups

Routine health monitoring plays a supporting role alongside home safety and exercise. Certain vision changes, particularly reduced contrast sensitivity and depth perception, have been linked to a higher likelihood of falls, including a harder time spotting hazards such as curbs or steps, so an annual eye exam, along with an updated eyeglass prescription when needed, is generally recommended for older adults.[1] Hearing checks are also worth including, since hearing loss has been associated with balance and spatial awareness changes in some research.[2]

[1] Jin et al., JAGS (2024); Visual risk factors for falls, BMC Geriatrics (2022)
[2] Kowalewski et al., Hearing Loss and Balance Difficulties (2018)

Ongoing management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease can also support fall prevention, since these conditions may affect strength, sensation, or balance over time. During routine visits, it can help to ask a healthcare provider to check blood pressure both sitting and standing to screen for orthostatic hypotension, and to review the full medication list (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) for any that may increase dizziness or drowsiness.

Nutrition and Bone Health: Foods and Supplements That May Support Fall Prevention

Nutrition contributes to fall prevention less directly, largely through its role in supporting bone density and muscle strength, both of which affect how well the body can withstand or recover from a stumble. Adequate calcium, vitamin D, and protein intake are commonly discussed in this context.[1]

[1] Whey Protein Supplementation with or without Vitamin D on Sarcopenia-Related Measures

Foods That May Support Bone and Muscle Strength

  • Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, which are natural sources of calcium
  • Leafy green vegetables, including kale and collard greens, which contain calcium and other bone-supportive nutrients
  • Fatty fish such as salmon, which provides vitamin D along with omega-3 fatty acids
  • Fortified foods, such as certain cereals and plant-based milk alternatives, which may be fortified with vitamin D and calcium
  • Lean protein sources, including poultry, eggs, beans, and legumes, which may help support muscle mass

Supplements: What the Research Says (and Who Should Use Caution)

Some older adults may not obtain sufficient vitamin D or calcium through diet alone, particularly if sun exposure is limited, and a healthcare provider may recommend a supplement in these cases. However, supplements are not appropriate for everyone, and several specific interactions are worth understanding before adding one to a daily routine.

Vitamin K, found in some multivitamins and bone-health formulas, may affect the action of anticoagulant medications such as warfarin, so individuals taking blood thinners should discuss vitamin K intake with their prescribing physician before starting a supplement.[1] Calcium supplements can also reduce the absorption of iron and certain antibiotics, including tetracycline-class drugs, when taken at the same time, which is why spacing these apart or discussing timing with a pharmacist is generally recommended.[2] Additionally, high-dose calcium and vitamin D supplementation may warrant extra caution in people with kidney disease or those taking certain diuretics or heart medications, since these combinations have been associated with changes in calcium levels in some research.[3] Given these considerations, talking with a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting any new supplement, especially for those already managing chronic conditions or taking prescription medications, is an important step.

[1] NIH ODS, Vitamin K Fact Sheet
[2] NIH ODS, Calcium Fact Sheet; Multivalent cations interactions with fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines
[3] NIH ODS, Calcium Fact Sheet; Tirzepatide and hypercalcemia with chronic hydrochlorothiazide use

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Warning Signs and When to Seek Medical Care After a Fall

Not every fall requires emergency care, but certain signs suggest a more serious injury that needs prompt evaluation. These include severe pain or visible deformity that may indicate a fracture, an inability to stand or bear weight, significant swelling or bruising, and confusion or disorientation following the fall.

※ If a fall involves a hit to the head, followed by loss of consciousness, confusion, repeated vomiting, or worsening headache — particularly in someone taking blood-thinning medication — seek emergency medical care promptly, since these signs can indicate a serious head injury.[1]

[1] Traumatic Brain Injury Risk After a Fall With Anticoagulation Use, Cureus (2024)

Even when a fall seems minor, it can be worth mentioning to a healthcare provider at the next visit, since a pattern of falls or near-falls may point to an underlying issue, such as a medication side effect or an undiagnosed balance problem, that is worth addressing.

New Technology for Fall Detection and Prevention

In addition to home modifications and exercise, a growing range of technology products has emerged to help support fall prevention and detection. Wearable devices, such as pendants or smartwatches with fall-detection sensors, can automatically alert a designated contact or emergency service when a fall is detected. Reviews of these devices report high detection sensitivity and specificity, though direct evidence on exactly how much this shortens the time to receiving assistance is more limited.[1]

[1] Warrington et al., BMC Public Health (2021)

Smart home systems offer another layer of support. Motion-sensor lighting that activates automatically when someone gets out of bed at night, floor sensors that can detect unusual movement patterns, and voice-activated assistants that allow a person to call for help without reaching for a phone are examples of tools that can support a safer home environment.[1] These technologies are generally considered a complement to, rather than a replacement for, the home safety, exercise, and medical strategies described above.

[1] Yeoh Lui et al., JAMDA (2025)

References

  1. Moreland B, Kakara R, Henry A. "Trends in Nonfatal Falls and Fall-Related Injuries Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years — United States, 2012–2018." MMWR. 2020;69(27):875-881. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6927a5.htm
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Cost of Older Adult Falls." https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/cost-data/index.html
  3. National Council on Aging. "Get the Facts on Falls Prevention." https://www.ncoa.org/article/get-the-facts-on-falls-prevention/
  4. "Fall Risk Factors in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11692759/
  5. Xue L, et al. "Persistent polypharmacy and fall injury risk: the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study." BMC Geriatrics. 2021;21:710. https://bmcgeriatr.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12877-021-02695-9
  6. Lee et al. "Risk of Fall-Related Injuries Associated with Antidepressant Use in Elderly Patients: A Nationwide Matched Cohort Study." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022;19(4):2298. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19042298
  7. "Antihypertensive Use and Recurrent Falls in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Findings From the Health ABC Study." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4643613/
  8. "New loop diuretic prescriptions may be an acute risk factor for falls in the nursing home." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3330142/
  9. "Orthostatic Hypotension and Falls in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis." Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 2018. https://www.jamda.com/article/S1525-8610(18)30635-2/abstract
  10. "Epidemiology of Falls Among Older Adults in Portugal." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12111680/
  11. "Tai Chi for fall prevention and balance improvement in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs." 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37736087/
  12. Jin H, et al. "Association between vision impairment and increased prevalence of falls in older US adults." Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2024;72(5):1373-1383. https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.18879
  13. "Visual risk factors for falls in older adults: a case-control study." BMC Geriatrics. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-022-02784-3
  14. Kowalewski V, et al. "Hearing Loss Contributes to Balance Difficulties in both Younger and Older Adults." 2018. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6017998/
  15. "Whey Protein Supplementation with or without Vitamin D on Sarcopenia-Related Measures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10334153/
  16. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. "Vitamin K – Health Professional Fact Sheet." https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminK-HealthProfessional/
  17. National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. "Calcium – Health Professional Fact Sheet." https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
  18. "Multivalent cations interactions with fluoroquinolones or tetracyclines." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8626210/
  19. "A potential association between tirzepatide and hypercalcemia in the setting of chronic hydrochlorothiazide use." https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12423746/
  20. "Evaluating the Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury in Adults Following a Fall With Concomitant Use of Anti-Coagulation: A Retrospective Cohort Study." Cureus. 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11520945/
  21. Warrington DJ, Shortis EJ, Whittaker PJ. "Are wearable devices effective for preventing and detecting falls: an umbrella review." BMC Public Health. 2021;21:2091. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-12169-7
  22. Yeoh Lui CX, et al. "Effectiveness Evaluation of Smart Home Technology in Preventing and Detecting Falls in Community and Residential Care Settings for Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. 2025. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39521020/

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