Falls and falls prevention - Active Independent Aging

In this section:

•	Facts about falls
•	Facts about risk factors for falls
•	The story of Tom and Mary
•	Risk factors add up to falls
•	Facts about reducing risks to prevent falls
•	What your organization can do
•	Provide information and learning opportunities
•	Offer programs and activities
•	Motivate and support your members as they make changes
•	Reduce barriers to making change
•	Make adaptations in and around your building
•	Provide links to other resources
•	To help you help your members prevent falls
•	Contact list

Two women enjoying their walk outside
Older adults can reduce their risk of falling.

Photo by Jan Jakobiec

Falls and falls prevention

Most of us have slips and trips with no serious consequences. However, among older adults falls are more common and more often result in serious injuries. They have serious consequences both for those who fall and for society.

The good news is that older adults can reduce their risk of falling. And, as an organization, you can help your members learn more about the factors that increase their risk of falling and what they can do about them.

What is a fall?

A fall is "an event that results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level." This could include an event where the person landed on the ground, tripped on stairs, slipped, or lost his or her balance and hit against an object like a chair or bed."

Kellogg International Work Group, 1987; RNAO, 2002,
Nursing Best Practice Guideline Prevention

Key Messages

As people age, their risk of falling increases.
Older adults who fall are at greater risk for injury, disability and loss of independence.
Falls are costly for individuals, communities and the health care system.

Next: Facts about falls

Last modified June 29, 2004