UNITED STATES, Sept. 25 (Senior Newspaper) — Falls are common enough to send millions of older adults to emergency departments, but federal health agencies say several practical steps can lower hazards at home and help people stay active and independent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says about 4.5 million emergency-department visits involving older-adult falls occurred in 2024. A separate CDC facts page gives a different estimate — about 3 million emergency-department visits each year. The agency’s published information provided for these figures does not explain whether the difference reflects a change in year, definitions or data sources.
The available figures also do not establish that fall-related emergency visits are steadily increasing over time. Still, the CDC, the National Institute on Aging and other health organizations identify falls as a major health concern for older adults and outline steps that may reduce risk.
What can make a home safer?
The CDC recommends removing objects that could cause someone to trip, improving lighting, installing grab bars in bathrooms and adding handrails on both sides of staircases. The National Institute on Aging also advises keeping frequently used items within easy reach and avoiding chairs, boxes or other unstable surfaces for climbing.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends securing or removing loose rugs, clearing clutter from walkways and using brighter lights in areas where falls could occur. Its guidance says research supports simple home-safety changes, but the page does not identify the underlying studies or quantify how much any particular change reduces falls.
A home assessment can help identify less obvious hazards. The New York State Office for the Aging lists home assessments and modifications among fall-prevention strategies. The CDC advises health care providers to screen patients for fall risk, assess factors that can be changed and connect patients with clinical or community interventions.
How do exercise and health checks fit in?
The CDC recommends strength and balance activities, including tai chi. The National Institute on Aging advises older adults to remain physically active and perform balance and strength exercises. New York’s Office for the Aging lists gait, balance and functional training, as well as programs such as Tai Chi, Matter of Balance and Stepping On.
The agencies do not say that one exercise program is right for everyone. Older adults can discuss appropriate activities with a health care professional, particularly if they have health conditions that affect movement or balance.
The CDC recommends annual eye checks and a review of medicines that may affect balance or alertness. The National Institute on Aging also advises checking vision and hearing and asking a doctor or pharmacist about medication side effects. New York’s guidance includes reducing or stopping medicines when appropriate under medical supervision.
The CDC says fall prevention can also involve evaluating medical conditions and screening for osteoporosis when appropriate. New York’s guidance lists vitamin D supplementation for people who are vitamin-D deficient, rather than as a universal recommendation.
What daily habits may help?
The National Institute on Aging advises older adults to stand up slowly, limit alcohol, wear supportive nonskid footwear and use properly fitted assistive devices when needed. The CDC also encourages older adults to speak with a health care professional if they have fallen or feel unsteady.
These measures address different risks. Clear walkways and better lighting may reduce environmental hazards, while exercise, medication review and vision checks can help identify physical or medical factors linked to falling. The available guidance does not provide a single percentage showing how much all of these steps reduce emergency visits.
What should happen after a fall?
The National Institute on Aging advises older adults to tell a doctor after a fall even when they do not feel pain. The agency says a fall can signal a medical problem or an issue involving medication or eyesight that may be corrected.
Fall-prevention guidance from Colorado, as described in reporting on a state summit, emphasizes staying calm, checking for injuries, having a way to call for help, making sure responders can enter the home and coordinating a plan with family, friends or neighbors. The supplied information does not identify the summit organizers or provide evidence quantifying the effect of that response plan.
A fall does not automatically mean that an older adult must give up everyday activities. Federal guidance instead focuses on identifying risks, making practical changes and seeking medical advice when balance, vision, medications or health conditions may be involved.
