Stay Steady This Fall: Simple Steps to Prevent Falls

As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, fall brings beautiful changes—bright leaves, cozy sweaters, and time spent with family. But it can also bring new challenges for older adults. Each year, thousands of seniors experience falls that lead to serious injuries, hospital visits, and changes in daily life.

This graph from the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC) highlights more about senior falls, including the thousands of deaths from falls:

The good news? Most falls are completely preventable. At Aging Outreach Services, we often help clients prevent falls and create safe, healthy environments and lifestyle changes for a safer season. With a few simple adjustments, you can keep your home safe, your body steady, and your confidence high. Think of it as a seasonal tune-up—just like checking the batteries in your smoke detectors or getting the car ready for winter.

This autumn, take a few minutes to make sure you’re steady, secure, and ready to enjoy the season’s beauty—without worry.

1. Why This Season Matters

• Shorter daylight hours mean more time spent indoors and less natural light for visibility.
• Wet leaves, uneven sidewalks, and cooler mornings can make outdoor walking tricky.
• Seasonal changes are a good reminder to check your home environment for safety hazards.
• New national reports show fall-related injuries among adults 65+ are rising across the U.S.

2. Make Your Home a Safer Space

• Remove loose rugs, secure mats, and clear clutter.
• Improve lighting—especially on stairs, in hallways, and bathrooms.
• Install grab bars and use non-slip mats in bathrooms.
• Choose shoes with firm, non-skid soles and good support.
• Check your cane, walker, or other aids for wear and proper fit.

3. Stay Strong, Steady, and Active

• Regular exercise that builds balance and leg strength helps prevent falls.
• Try gentle options like Tai Chi, walking, or chair yoga. (The Tai Chi Foundation has free online classes here.)
• Schedule annual vision and hearing checks.
• Review medications that might cause dizziness or drowsiness (Mayo Clinic List).

4. Watch for Hidden Risks

• Medication side effects can increase fall risk.
• Health issues like arthritis, neuropathy, or low blood pressure affect stability.
• Fear of falling can lead to less activity—ironically increasing risk.
• Home chores such as changing light bulbs or cleaning gutters can be risky without support.

5. Have a Plan in Case of a Fall

• Keep a phone or alert device within reach at all times. (National Council on Aging’s List of Best 5 Alert Devices to Avoid Falls).
• If you fall, call for help if you feel dizzy, hurt, or unsure.
• Notify your healthcare provider even if you feel fine—one fall raises your future risk.
• Review what caused the fall and make small changes to prevent another.

6. A Few Things to Do This Week

• Fix one tripping hazard in your home.
• Schedule a vision or hearing check.
• Choose one balance exercise and try it three times this week.
• Tell a friend or family member about your safety plan.

Bottom Line:
Staying safe this fall isn’t about giving up independence—it’s about protecting it. A few small steps can make a big difference in how confidently you move through your days. Check your home, stay active, and don’t be afraid to ask for a hand when you need it.

Autumn is meant to be enjoyed—long walks under colorful trees, warm cups of tea, time with friends and family. By taking care of your balance, your environment, and yourself, you can focus on what really matters: feeling strong, steady, and ready for all the good things this season brings.