---
title: "Falls Prevention Awareness Week: Preventing Falls in Older Adults"
description: National Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-25, 2020) is designed to reduce falls among older adults.
---

[ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog ](https://emergencycare.hsi.com/blog)

# [Falls Prevention Awareness Week: Preventing Falls in Older Adults](https://emergencycare.hsi.com/blog/falls-prevention-awareness-week-preventing-falls-in-older-adults)

 Written by [Emergency Care Blog Team](https://emergencycare.hsi.com/blog/author/emergency-care-blog-team) | September 22, 2020

National Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-25, 2020) is designed to reduce falls among older adults by providing practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs and community partnerships.

Injuries from falls can make it difficult for older adults to do everyday activities or remain independent.

According to the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html), more than one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls every year. But less than half of them tell their doctor. The CDC also reports:

- One out of five falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
- 3 million people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling, usually by falling sideways.

While falling may be common, it’s not a *normal* part of aging. Here’s some ways to help prevent falls in older adults.

#### 6 steps for preventing falls

Most falls are preventable, which means you can take active steps to reduce your own risk and protect your older loved ones.

The [National Council on Aging (NCOA)](https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/) provides the following tips:

1. **Find a balance or exercise program.** These programs can help you build stability, strength and flexibility.
2. **Talk to your doctor if you’ve fallen or are afraid of falling.** Your doctor can provide a risk assessment and give you resources tailored to your needs.
3. **Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. **They can identify which medications could increase your risk of falling.
4. **Get your vision and hearing checked each year.** Your eyes and ears are the key to navigating the world around you.
5. **Keep your home safe. **Make sure your home is well-lit and remove any items you could trip over. Prevent falls in the bathroom by using bathmats in the shower and installing grab bars as needed.
6. **Talk with your family. **Allow your support system to help when needed to work together to reduce your risk of falling.

Additionally, you can explore these fall prevention resources for more information and tips.

- [Falls Free Checkup](https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-free-checkup/)
- [What YOU Can Do to Prevent Falls](https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-WhatYouCanDo-508.pdf)
- [Family Caregivers: Protect Your Loved Ones From Falling](https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-CaregiverBrochure.pdf)
- [Check for Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults](https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-CheckForSafety-508.pdf)

Be ready to help in an emergency. [Find a first aid class](https://emergencycare.hsi.com/locate-a-training-center) near you.

[View full post](https://emergencycare.hsi.com/blog/falls-prevention-awareness-week-preventing-falls-in-older-adults)

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