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The fall brings crisp air, spicy cider, and colorful leaves. But for older Americans, a fall – not the season – can be much more than an embarrassing mishap. It can lead to a broken hip, hospitalization, loss of independence, and in some cases, death.

But the National Council on Aging (NCOA) says many falls can be prevented, and it’s using this month’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week to encourage older adults and their families to take some relatively simple precautions.

The annual observance runs Sept. 21-25, with community organizations and senior centers around the country expected to hold screenings and offer fall-prevention programs throughout September.

The numbers illustrate the size of the problem. According to data cited by NCOA from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans age 65 and older falls each year. Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related death for people in that age group.

The financial consequences are substantial as well. NCOA said the annual healthcare cost associated with nonfatal falls among older adults reached an estimated $80 billion based on 2020 data, up from $50 billion in 2015.

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Small changes can make a difference

The good news is that falling isn’t necessarily an unavoidable consequence of getting older.

“There are easy, affordable, and proven steps you can take to reduce your risk of falling,” said Emily Nabors, associate director of innovation for NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging.

Among the measures NCOA recommends are strength and balance exercises, modifications to make the home safer, and annual eye and hearing examinations.

For consumers, that can mean taking a close look at everyday surroundings. Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and other household hazards can increase the chance of a fall. 

NCOA provides a home safety checklist, as well as information for caregivers and guidance for consumers considering a medical alert system.

Maintaining strength and balance is another important part of prevention. Exercise programs designed for older adults can help people remain steadier on their feet while also helping them maintain mobility and independence.

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Check your personal risk

NCOA is encouraging older adults to begin by using its free Falls Free CheckUp, an online assessment available in English and Spanish.

The assessment consists of 13 questions and provides users with a personalized fall-risk score along with suggestions for reducing that risk.

The questions can also help consumers recognize risks they may not have considered. Someone who hasn’t fallen before, for example, may still have balance problems or other factors that increase the likelihood of a future fall.

NCOA says older adults and their families can also look for fall-risk screenings and prevention programs offered by senior centers and community organizations during September.

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Don’t wait until after a fall

One of the most important messages of Falls Prevention Awareness Week is that consumers shouldn’t wait for an accident before addressing the issue.

A fall can sometimes begin a chain of events that makes it more difficult for an older adult to continue living independently. Even the fear of falling may cause someone to reduce physical activity, potentially weakening muscles and making future falls more likely.

NCOA’s prevention campaign has grown substantially. The organization said Falls Prevention Awareness Week reached about 17 million people across 41 states in 2025.

For older adults and their families, the organization’s message this year is straightforward: Assess the risks before an accident happens. Improving strength and balance, checking vision and hearing and making a few changes around the home may help prevent a fall — and help older adults remain independent longer.