Falls are one of the most pressing health concerns facing adults 65 and older today, and the numbers make the case clearly. According to the CDC’s STEADI program, more than one in four adults age 65 or older falls each year, and approximately 41,000 older adults die as a result of a fall annually — that’s roughly 112 older adults every day.
At The Courtyard at Delta in Lansing, MI, supporting the physical well-being of residents in assisted living and memory care is a daily priority, and fall prevention is central to that work. Understanding why falls happen is the first step toward reducing them.
Why Falls Are So Common in Older Adults
The body changes with age, and many of those changes increase fall risk. According to the NIH National Institute on Aging, eyesight, hearing, and reflexes typically become less acute over time. Conditions like diabetes, cardiac disease, and thyroid disorders can affect balance, and blood pressure that drops when standing, known as postural hypotension, is a documented risk factor.
Muscle loss is another major contributor. Sarcopenia, the age-related decline in muscle mass and strength, is associated with weakness, fatigue, and difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Poor nutrition and limited physical activity accelerate its progression.
Medications also play a role. The more medications a person takes, the higher the statistical risk of falling, particularly when those medications cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion as side effects. According to the Mayo Clinic, sedatives, antihistamines, and certain antidepressants are among the drugs most frequently associated with fall risk.
Finally, the physical living space can be hazardous. Loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways are among the most preventable causes of falls, yet remain common.
How to Prevent Falls in Seniors: Practical Steps That Work
The good news is that most falls can be prevented. Research from the NIH and the CDC points to several evidence-based strategies that reduce fall risk in adults.
Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to lower fall risk. Physical activity strengthens muscles, improves joint flexibility, and improves balance and coordination. According to the NIH National Institute on Aging, mild bone-loading activities such as walking or stair climbing may also slow bone loss from osteoporosis. Staying active protects both balance and bone strength at the same time.
The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week for adults 65 and over. Tai chi, yoga, and resistance training have all shown benefits for balance and muscle strength.
Review Medications With a Healthcare Provider
Medications are a leading and often overlooked fall risk factor. Experts recommend bringing a complete list of prescription and nonprescription medications, including supplements, to appointments and asking specifically about side effects that could affect balance or alertness. Adjustments are often possible and can substantially lower fall risk.
Get Eyes and Hearing Tested Regularly
Even minor changes in vision or hearing are linked to a higher risk of falling. New eyeglasses require an adjustment period, and wearing the correct prescription consistently makes a measurable difference. Proper fit and consistent use of hearing aids help maintain spatial awareness that supports secure movement.
Make the Living Space More Secure
Physical hazards in the living space account for a substantial number of falls each year.
The CDC’s STEADI checklist for fall prevention covers several high-priority areas:
- Removing loose rugs or securing them with nonslip backing
- Clearing electrical cords and clutter from walkways
- Installing grab bars in showers, tubs, and near toilets
- Adding nonslip mats in bathrooms
- Placing night lights in bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms
- Storing frequently used items within easy reach
Wear Appropriate Footwear
Footwear choices have a direct impact on fall risk. High heels, backless slippers, and shoes with smooth soles are among the most hazardous options for adults. The CDC’s STEADI footwear guide recommends nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fit properly and provide full foot support. Walking in socks or smooth-soled slippers, even indoors, raises fall risk considerably.
Stand Up Slowly
Postural hypotension, the drop in blood pressure that can occur when rising quickly from a seated or lying position, is a common and underestimated cause of falls. Taking a few seconds to pause at the edge of the bed or chair before standing gives blood pressure time to stabilize and reduces the likelihood of dizziness.
Use Assistive Devices When Appropriate
Canes and walkers, when correctly fitted and used consistently, provide strong fall prevention support, particularly on uneven surfaces or in unfamiliar settings. A physical or occupational therapist can help assess which devices are appropriate and teach proper technique.
Keep Bones Strong
Preventing a fall is the primary goal, but maintaining bone density reduces the severity of injuries when falls do occur. Getting adequate calcium and vitamin D, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy body mass all support bone health and reduce fracture risk.
Nutrition plays a direct role in that process. Calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals help maintain bone density, while vitamin D — found in fatty fish, eggs, and fortified foods — aids calcium absorption. Consistent, balanced meals make it easier for adults to meet those nutritional needs daily. The Courtyard at Delta’s dining program supports residents in doing exactly that.
What to Do After a Slip-and-Fall Accident
Knowing how to respond to a fall accident is as important as prevention.
The NIH recommends the following steps after a fall:
- Stay as composed as possible and take several deep breaths before moving
- Remain still for several seconds to assess for injury
- Roll to one side, then move to hands and knees before attempting to rise
- Crawl to a sturdy chair and use it for support to stand slowly
- Call for help or dial 911 if injured or unable to get up independently
After any fall, even one without apparent injury, adults should inform their healthcare provider. A fall can signal an underlying medical issue, a medication side effect, or a change in vision or balance that warrants evaluation. Keeping a charged mobile phone accessible and considering a personal emergency response system gives older adults and their families added peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preventing Falls
The most common causes include age-related changes in balance and muscle mass, vision or hearing loss, medication side effects, and physical hazards in the living space, such as loose rugs, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways. Conditions like postural hypotension and sarcopenia also contribute.
According to the CDC, more than one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury, both fatal and nonfatal, among adults in this age group in the United States.
Regular physical activity, particularly balance and strength training exercises such as tai chi, yoga, and resistance work, has been shown to reduce fall risk. The CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of activity per week for adults 65 and over.
Advise them to stay still, assess for injury, and get help if needed. After the immediate situation is addressed, schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider to discuss what may have caused the fall and review medications, vision, and balance.
Assisted living communities provide around-the-clock support, trained team members who monitor resident well-being, and living spaces designed with fall reduction in mind. The Courtyard at Delta in Lansing, MI, offers assisted living and memory care with attentive, personalized support for every resident.
When Staying Active and Staying Supported Go Hand in Hand
Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. With consistent physical activity, medication reviews, living space modifications, appropriate footwear, and attentive daily support, the risk can be substantially lowered. For families and adults in the Lansing, MI, area weighing assisted living or memory care options, The Courtyard at Delta provides daily support that makes a real difference in long-term physical health and independence.
Find Out What The Courtyard at Delta Can Offer
The Courtyard at Delta in Lansing, MI, offers assisted living and memory care in a supportive, attentive community. To learn more about how the team approaches resident well-being, contact us today to schedule a tour.