Senior Fall Prevention

Each year, millions of older adults aged 65 and older fall. While falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older Americans, they are not an inevitable part of aging. Fortunately, many falls are preventable with regular exercise and preventative care.

Most falls do not cause injuries. But one out of five falls can cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury. Falls that cause head injury can be very serious, especially if the person is taking certain medicines (like blood thinners). An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury. Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling. This fear may cause a person to cut down on their everyday activities. When a person is less active, they become weaker and this increases their chances of falling.

Although one out of three older adults have fallen, less than 50% of seniors talk with their health care provider about falling. Knowing your fall risk is an important first step in preventing future falls. Talk with your health care provider about an individual fall risk assessment.

Complete a brief survey to Check Your Risk for Falling

Here is a short video about 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall

A Matter of Balance (PDF) is a program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults who are less active. It includes 8 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 cane)

*This class not suited for people with dementia

Workshop Registration

There is no cost to attend workshops, however, registration is required.  Class format is small group discussion; spaces are limited to 14 participants per workshop.  For more information about available workshop dates and times: 

• UC Davis Health Patients: contact UC Davis Health Management and Education
  Phone: 916-946-1449 (option 1)
  Email: hs-healtheducationclass@ucdavis.edu
  Self enrollment: MyUCDavisHealth Sign In > Make an Appointment > Health and Wellness Classes
  Website: Health Education: Matter of Balance
  
  
• Community Members:
  StopFalls Sacramento class calendar