New Tool Helps Protect Older Adults From Falling
Falls are a leading cause of injury for adults ages 65 and older in the United States, and more than one in four older adults will fall this year. While falls can lead to serious injuries, loss of independence and even death, many falls are preventable, and proven strategies can help older adults stay safe, active and independent. To mark Fall Prevention Awareness Week this September, the CDC Foundation is launching the Living injury-free from Falls Every day (LIFE) Fall Prevention Planning Tool to help older adults and caregivers craft personalized plans to reduce their risk of falling. Developed with feedback from older adults and caregivers, the LIFE Fall Prevention Planning Tool provides easy-to-read information about falls and recommends simple, effective steps to reduce your risk of falling.
Why Falls Happen and How to Prevent Them
As we age, factors like decreased strength and balance, vision changes, medication side effects, unsafe home environments and chronic health conditions can all increase our risk of falling. The LIFE Fall Prevention Planning Tool covers these factors and more with practical, straightforward guidance. The tool suggests evidence-based fall prevention strategies to meet individual lifestyles and needs. Do you have difficulty walking or climbing stairs? You may want to start strength and balance exercises in the comfort of your own home or join a free Tai Chi class in your community. Has it been more than a year since your vision has been checked? Scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor could be a fast and easy way to reduce your risk of falling. The LIFE tool guides you through these tips and many more, including prescription medication reviews, home safety improvements, supportive footwear and chronic condition management.
Take the First Step to Stay Safe and Independent
The LIFE Tool makes it easy for an older adult or caregiver to create a personalized fall prevention plan. Customized to individual lifestyles with proven techniques to stay safe, active and independent, the plans can also be easily saved or printed to discuss with healthcare providers. Preventing falls is about more than avoiding injury—it’s about preserving mobility, independence and confidence. Whether you’re an older adult or care for someone who is, using the LIFE Fall Prevention Planning Tool is a fast and simple way to start.
This Fall Prevention Awareness Week, visit LifeFallPrevention.com to create a personalized fall prevention plan for yourself or a loved one. Stay active, stay safe and enjoy LIFE.
This project, “Fall Prevention Planning Tool Development,” was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $500,000 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS or the U.S. Government.
