Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related death among adults 65 and older in the United States, with about 36 million falls reported each year resulting in more than 32,000 deaths. The CDC's ongoing STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative continues to emphasize that most falls are preventable through a combination of home modifications, medication reviews, vision checks, and targeted exercise programs. Key recommended home changes include installing grab bars in bathrooms, adding non-slip mats, improving lighting, and removing trip hazards like loose rugs. Balance-focused exercise programs such as Tai Chi have been shown to reduce fall risk by 20–30% in clinical studies. Healthcare providers are encouraged to screen patients 65+ for fall risk at every visit.

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Most falls can be prevented, and the right combination of interventions makes a real difference.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) →