Stay Steady This Fall: Simple Ways to Prevent Falls for Older Adults

October is a beautiful time in the Ozarks—cooler mornings, colorful leaves, and plenty of reasons to get outside. It is also a smart moment to talk about something many families quietly worry about: falls. The National Council on Aging just wrapped Falls Prevention Awareness Week (Sept. 21–25, 2026), and October is National Physical Therapy Month. Together, those observances remind us that staying steady is something we can work on all year—especially as the weather turns.

The good news? Falls are common, but many are preventable.

Why fall prevention matters

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one out of four adults age 65 and older falls each year, yet less than half tell their doctor. Falling once also doubles the chance of falling again.

Falls are not a small issue. CDC data show that falls among adults 65 and older caused over 43,000 deaths in 2024—the leading cause of injury death for that age group. In 2024, emergency departments recorded about 4.5 million visits related to older adult falls. Falls are also a leading reason older adults break a hip or suffer a traumatic brain injury.

Fear of falling can be limiting, too. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) notes that some older adults cut back on walking, shopping, or social activities. Staying less active can weaken muscles and raise fall risk. Staying safely active is part of the solution.

Talk with your doctor first

A simple conversation can open doors. CDC and NIA encourage older adults to tell a doctor about any fall—even if you were not hurt—and to ask for a fall-risk review.

Bring up:

• Dizziness, unsteady walking, or trouble getting up from a chair

• Medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) that make you sleepy or lightheaded

• Vision or hearing changes

• Foot pain or shoes that feel unsafe

• Whether strength, balance, or physical therapy might help

Your clinician can also discuss bone health, including osteoporosis screening when appropriate, and whether vitamin D makes sense for you. Do not start supplements on your own without guidance.

Move more—especially for strength and balance

Regular activity keeps muscles and joints ready for daily life. NIA recommends an exercise program that fits you, including mild weight-bearing movement such as walking. Balance and strength work—chair rises, gentle resistance exercises, yoga, Pilates, or tai chi—are especially helpful.

October’s National Physical Therapy Month is a nice nudge: a physical therapist can assess gait and balance and teach safe ways to get stronger. Ask your doctor whether a referral is right for you. Start slowly, and choose activities you enjoy.

Make home a safer place

Many falls happen at home. Small changes add up. Drawing on CDC and NIA guidance:

Floors and stairs

• Clear clutter, cords, and throw rugs from walkways

• Secure carpets so they do not slip

• Use sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs when possible

• Keep stairs and halls well lit; consider night lights or motion lights

Bathroom

• Add grab bars by the toilet and in or near the tub or shower

• Use nonskid mats or strips on wet surfaces

• Keep a night light on for nighttime trips

Everyday living

• Keep a phone charged and within easy reach

• Store frequently used items between waist and shoulder height

• Stand up slowly to avoid a blood-pressure drop that can cause wobbliness

• Wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes with nonskid soles—skip socks on slick floors

Outdoors, watch for wet leaves, uneven sidewalks, and icy spots. Keep porch lights on after dark, and use sand or ice melt when winter weather arrives.

Check eyes, ears, and feet

Even small changes in sight or hearing raise fall risk. Have vision checked regularly and update eyeglasses as needed. If you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, ask your eye doctor whether a distance-only pair might be safer for outdoor walking. Wear hearing aids if you have them, and choose supportive footwear rather than backless shoes or smooth-soled slippers.

If a fall happens

Stay calm. Take a few breaths and check for injury before trying to get up. If you can rise safely, roll to your side, get onto hands and knees, crawl to a sturdy chair, and use it to stand slowly—as NIA describes. If you are hurt or cannot get up, call 911 or use a medical alert device or phone. Anyone who hits their head—especially if they take blood thinners—should seek medical care right away.

A steady start to the season

You do not need to overhaul everything in one weekend. Pick one or two steps—clear a hallway, schedule an eye exam, or ask about a balance class—and build from there. Free tools such as the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp can help you reflect on personal risk and share results with your care team.

If questions about safety and aging well come up for your family, Webwood’s team is here to listen and point you toward helpful resources.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your doctor or another qualified health professional about your personal situation before changing exercise, medications, or home care plans.