UNITED STATES, Sept. 25 (Senior Newspaper) — Falls are a common reason older adults visit emergency departments, but federal health agencies say several everyday steps may help reduce hazards and support independent living.
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 visits each year. The agency pages do not explain whether the difference reflects a change in year, definition or data source.
Because the figures are not directly comparable, they do not by themselves show that fall-related emergency visits are continuing to rise. The CDC pages also do not specify in the supplied information how “older adults” are defined for each estimate.
Start with the most common hazards
The CDC, National Institute on Aging and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommend looking for conditions that can cause someone to trip or lose balance.
Their guidance includes removing clutter and loose rugs, improving lighting and keeping frequently used items within easy reach. The CDC recommends grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on both sides of staircases. The orthopedic surgeons’ group also advises against using chairs, boxes or other unstable objects as step stools.
The National Institute on Aging says home-safety changes should be considered along with a review of vision, hearing, medications and physical activity. The New York State Office for the Aging lists home assessments and modifications as part of an individualized fall-prevention plan.
Build strength and balance safely
The CDC recommends strength and balance activities, including tai chi. The National Institute on Aging also advises older adults to stay physically active and do balance and strength exercises.
The right activity can depend on a person’s health and abilities. 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. Programs listed by the New York State Office for the Aging include Tai Chi, Matter of Balance and Stepping On, along with gait, balance and functional training.
The available guidance does not provide a single percentage for how much any one exercise program or home change lowers falls or injuries. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says research supports simple home-safety modifications, but its guidance page does not identify the underlying study or provide details such as the number of participants or the size of the effect.
Review medicines, eyesight and footwear
The CDC and National Institute on Aging recommend discussing medications with a health care professional. Some medicines or combinations of medicines may affect balance or alertness, and a medication review can identify possible side effects, according to the National Institute on Aging.
The CDC recommends annual eye checks and advises older adults to discuss health conditions that may affect fall risk. The National Institute on Aging also advises checking hearing, limiting alcohol, standing up slowly and wearing supportive, nonskid footwear. It recommends properly fitted assistive devices when they are needed.
The New York State Office for the Aging includes medication reduction or withdrawal when appropriate as one possible prevention approach. It also lists vitamin D supplementation for people who are vitamin-D deficient. Those decisions should be individualized with a health care professional, the state agency’s guidance says.
A fall is worth reporting
The National Institute on Aging advises telling a doctor after a fall, even when there is no pain. The agency says a fall may signal a medical issue or a correctable problem involving medication or eyesight.
The CDC similarly encourages older adults to report falls or unsteadiness. A clinician can assess possible causes and discuss steps to reduce future risk, including exercise, medication review, vision care and home changes.
The goal of these measures is not to eliminate every risk. Rather, federal and state health guidance treats fall prevention as a combination of safer surroundings, physical activity, medical review and a plan for responding when a fall happens. Those steps can help older adults remain active and independent while giving families and clinicians specific risks to address.
