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Preventing Falls in Older Adults

In New York City, falls are a leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalization for older adults. In addition to serious injuries and deaths, falls can affect the quality of life for older adults, sometimes making it harder for them to live independently. Although falls are common, they do not need to be a normal part of aging. Falls are preventable and everyone can help older adults avoid them.

Learn more about how falls prevention contributes to the Health of Older Adults in New York City (PDF).

Tips and Strategies

Falls can happen for many reasons. Some factors that can lead to falls include:

  • Muscle weakness and trouble with mobility and balance
  • Untreated hearing loss and vision impairment
  • Trip and slip hazards in the environment
  • Side effects of medications
  • Fear of falling and history of falling

You can prevent falls by taking these measures:

  • Make Your Home Safer: Almost half of falls occur in the home. To make your home safer, find and fix trip and fall hazards. If you work from home, be careful of computer and electrical wires. Coil the wires next to the wall and tape them down if you can.

  • Be Active: Physical activity is a great way to prevent falls and many exercises can be done from your home. Talk with your health care provider about what exercises are best for you and how to exercise safely.
    • Many Older Adult Centers and community organizations in NYC offer evidence-based falls prevention physical activity programs. These programs are evaluated and proven effective at reducing falls risk for older adult participants.

  • Focus on Medicine Safety: Manage your medicine routine and pay attention to medicines that may increase your risks of falling. Call your pharmacist to discuss refills and possible delivery options.

  • Talk to Your Health Care Provider: Talk to your health care provider about strategies to keep your home safe and you healthy. To help prepare for your visit, learn more about:

  • Reduce Your Fear of Falling: A fear of falling is common, even among those who have not had a fall, and it can actually increase your risk of a fall.

  • Care for Your Feet: Foot problems can make it harder to stay physically active and increase your risk of tripping, slipping and falling. Painful conditions include bunions, corns, calluses and warts.
    • To keep your feet healthy and pain-free, you should:
      • Keep them clean and dry, especially between your toes
      • Trim your toenails regularly.
      • Never try to treat serious foot problems at home – make an appointment with your healthcare professional.
    • Footwear: Wearing comfortable shoes that fit well can reduce your risk of falling.
      • Wear shoes with a firm sole that doesn’t slip.
      • Wear walking shoes.
      • Don’t wear shoes with heels taller than 1 inch.
      • Don’t wear slippers or flip-flops, even at home.
      • Don’t walk in socks or stockings, even at home.
      • Limit your time walking barefoot, even at home.

In the event of a fall, there are strategies and tips that can help you prepare for potential falls and decrease your risk of serious injury.

Caregivers and Providers

If you are taking care of an older adult, check out the Department of Heath’s tips and resources for new and experienced caregivers.

New York City Falls Prevention Coalition

The New York City Falls Prevention Coalition brings together partners from across different sectors to leverage information and resources to reduce the incidence and burden of falls among vulnerable populations. For more information, contact the Falls Prevention Coalition at fallsprevention@health.nyc.gov.

Additional Resources

To get free falls prevention materials by mail, call 311.

More Information