Every year, one in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall.
Considering that falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in seniors, it’s no surprise that they’re one of the biggest worries for seniors and their adult children. They often result in hip fractures, head trauma, and a devastating loss of independence.
The good news is that most falls can be prevented.
In this article, we share seven practical strategies to help lower the risk of falls. Some steps take a little effort, while others are as easy as moving furniture or changing slippers.
But what they have in common is that all of them can help you or your loved one stay safer and more independent.
Before you start making changes, it helps to understand what you’re dealing with.
Fall risk is different for everyone.
Age is the most obvious factor, as the older someone is, the higher the risk.
However, other aspects also play a role, such as previous falls (if it happened once, it’s more likely to happen again), certain medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness, vision problems, balance issues, and chronic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s.
Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be mitigated. For example, medication can be adjusted, balance can be improved, and vision problems can often be corrected.
So, start by talking openly with a doctor.
Bring a list of all medications, including over-the-counter supplements, and mention any recent stumbles or near-falls. Many seniors ignore ‘almost falling’, but these close calls are important warning signs.
Understanding your risks helps you take specific steps instead of guessing what to do.
Most falls happen at home, so it makes sense to start right where you live.
It might seem like a huge investment, but the truth is that you don’t have to remodel your whole house. Small, smart changes in high-risk areas can make a big difference.
Many of these changes are low-cost or free. Decluttering and rearranging furniture costs nothing, and even grab bars and nightlights are inexpensive compared to the cost of a fall.
Exercise might sound like generic advice, but it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent falls.
Strength training and balance exercises are particularly important for seniors. While stronger legs and core muscles make it easier to catch yourself if you stumble, better balance reduces the chance of stumbling in the first place.
Activities like tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics are all great options. Even regular walking helps. The key is to be consistent – doing a little bit often is better than doing a lot only once in a while.
If you or your loved one hasn’t exercised in a while, start slow. A physical therapist can recommend exercises tailored to current ability levels. And always check with a doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if there are existing health conditions.
The goal isn’t to run marathons. It’s to stay strong and steady enough to move confidently through daily life.
Some medications increase fall risk, and a lot of people don’t realize they’re taking them.
Common culprits include sedatives, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and some blood pressure drugs. These can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or affect balance in ways that aren’t always obvious. The risk increases when someone takes several medications at once, since drug interactions can make side effects worse.
So, scheduling a medication review with a professional at least once a year (or whenever a new medication is added) is essential. Bring every single thing being taken, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Sometimes a simple adjustment in dosage or timing can make a huge difference.
For example, taking diuretics right before bed increases the chance of needing to rush to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Moving that dose to earlier in the day reduces the risk of nighttime falls.
Don’t stop or change medications without talking to a doctor first, but be sure to ask questions. Having this conversation is extremely important.
It shouldn’t be surprising how much vision and hearing affect balance and safety.
When you can’t see well, it’s harder to spot hazards like uneven flooring, stairs, or objects in your path. Outdated prescriptions, cataracts, or glaucoma all increase fall risk. Seniors should have their eyes checked annually, and prescriptions should be updated promptly when vision changes.
Hearing loss also plays a bigger role than most people realize. Your inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, and as hearing declines, spatial awareness often follows suit. This makes it harder to detect hazards or sense where your body is in relation to its surroundings.
Annual hearing tests are just as important as eye exams. Hearing aids can help, but they need to be properly fitted and used consistently to be effective.
The right shoes also make a difference.
Footwear should fit well, have non-slip soles, and provide good support. Shoes with Velcro or elastic are often easier to use than laces for people with dexterity issues.
Seniors should also avoid walking around in socks or smooth-soled slippers because they can lead to accidents, but in case your loved one just prefers it, you should invest in non-slip socks.
Assistive devices like canes, walkers, and rollators help people stay independent and lower the risk of falling.
However, these devices must be properly fitted and used correctly. A cane that is too short or too tall will not give the right support, whereas a walker with worn-out tips can slip and fall. A physical therapist can recommend the right device, adjust it to the correct height, and teach how to use it safely.
Unfortunately, it might be a bit difficult to convince your loved one to use them, as some people see it as a sign of weakness.
Using the right assistive device is not something to be ashamed about – it’s about staying mobile and confident.
Even after taking all the right steps, falls can still happen.
This is where a medical alert system can help. These devices act as a safety net, making sure help is always just a button press away.
Most systems include a wearable button, like a pendant or wristband, that connects to a 24/7 monitoring center. When pressed, a trained operator answers through a two-way speaker, checks the situation, and sends help if needed.
Many medical alerts also have automatic fall detection.
If the device senses a fall and the wearer doesn’t respond, it automatically alerts the monitoring center. This is especially helpful for seniors who live alone or have conditions like Alzheimer’s, where they might not be able to call for help themselves.
Services like LifeFone offer both in-home and on-the-go options.
Saves Lives When Seconds Count®️ is LifeFone's motto.
In addition to landline and cellular home-based units, the medical alert system provider also offers several on-the-go solutions for the more active customers.
Of course, the monitoring team works around the clock to make sure LifeFone members get instant help from the operators when needed. Plus, the VIPx®️ Caregiver Mobile App offers extra peace of mind to patients and their loved ones.
All products are also reasonably priced, not to mention that there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee to try out LifeFone without instant commitments.
For more information, we recommend getting in touch with the company at to get a free quote.
Its at-home systems work on a landline or cellular network and cover up to 1,300 feet, which is enough to move freely around the house and yard. For more active seniors, LifeFone's mobile devices include GPS tracking, so help can be sent even if the person does not know their exact location. As a nice extra, the VIPx also pairs with a caregiver app that lets family members check location and get alerts when the help button is pressed.
Medical alert systems don’t prevent falls, but they give peace of mind to seniors and their families.
Fall prevention is not about one single fix.
It’s about using several strategies together, such as making safer home changes, engaging in regular exercise, receiving proper medical care, and having a reliable backup plan.
The good news is you don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two changes and add more over time. For example, you might install grab bars in the bathroom this week and schedule a medication review next month.
These steps aren’t just about avoiding injury. They help preserve independence, maintain quality of life, and build confidence in navigating daily life safely.
And for an extra safety net, we invite you to learn more about how medical alert systems like LifeFone can provide an extra layer of security for you or your loved one.
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