Senior Fall Prevention | Injury and Violence Prevention Program | UC Davis Health

Fall Risk and Safety Tips

Every year, millions of adults aged 65 and older experience falls. Although falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older Americans, they are not an unavoidable aspect of aging. Fortunately, many falls can be prevented through regular exercise and preventive care.

Am I at risk for a fall?

Most falls do not result in injuries. However, one out of five can lead to serious injuries. Falls resulting in head injuries can be particularly severe, especially for individuals taking certain medications, like blood thinners.

An older adult who falls and strikes their head should see a doctor immediately to ensure they do not have a brain injury. Many people who fall, even if they are uninjured, develop a fear of falling. This fear can cause individuals to cut back on their participation in everyday activities. When a person becomes less active, they lose strength, which, ironically, increases their risk of falling.

Understanding your fall risk is a crucial first step in preventing future falls. While one in three older adults experiences a fall, fewer than half of seniors discuss fall prevention with their healthcare provider. Talk to your healthcare provider about the advantages of a personalized fall risk assessment.

Check Your Risk for Falling

Fall Prevention Workshop - A Matter of Balance

A Matter of Balance (PDF) is an eight-week program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults who are less active. It includes eight two-hour weekly sessions for a small group of 8-12 participants led by a trained facilitator. During the class, participants learn to:

• View falls as controllable
• Set goals for increasing activity
• Improve balance, flexibility & strength
• Make changes at home to reduce fall risk

This class is suitable for older adults who:

• Are concerned about falls
• Have fallen or are at risk for falls
• Want to increase activity and exercise
• Can walk independently (may use a cane)

This class is not suited for people with dementia.

Sacramento Community Members

Find fall prevention classes and programs offered by other agencies on the StopFalls Sacramento Classes and Programs website.