Senior Falls Prevention

In this section...

Falls Prevention Awareness Week

September 23 - 27, 2024

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a national health campaign initiated by the National Council on Aging to increase awareness around falls health and injury prevention. Preventing falls is possible and we want to empower older adults to take action and reduce their risk of falling. Learn more about the upcoming events in our community! 

Infographic for Fall Prevention Awareness Week

Community Events and Programs

Stay Steady: Balance and Movement 

Friday, September 20, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:30am | Register here 

An informative lecture covering key topics such as the benefits of movement on physical and psychological well-being; how aging affects muscle strength and joint flexibility; and how medication side effects may increase the risk of falls. 

Stepping On

Tuesdays, October 1 to November 12 | 1:00 – 3:00pm | Register here

Stepping On is a community-based, small group workshop proven to reduce falls and build confidence in older adults. Stepping On is designed specifically for people who are: 

  1. At risk of falling
  2. Have a fear of falling, or
  3. Have fallen one or more times

Participants meet for two hours a week for seven weeks. Workshops are facilitated by trained leaders and provide a safe and positive learning experience. 

The workshop includes: 

  • Simple and fun strength and balanced exercises 
  • Ways to stay safe at home and outside 
  • Information about how medications may contribute to falls. 

Tai Ji Quan:Moving for Better Balance | Informational Flyer

Join this FREE adpated Tao Ji Quan Program on Zoom starting October 21. This program improves muscle strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility as well as reducing risk of falls among older adults. To learn more, please reference the informational flyer or contact Gena Watkins at 702.616.4901 to register.

seniors exercising

Enhance Fitness 

Northern Nevada Public Health is bringing Enhance Fitness to Washoe County. Enhance Fitness is an evidence-based group exercise and falls prevention program that helps older adults at all levels of fitness become more active, energized and empowered. 

Introduction classes will be organized this fall at a Senior Center near you. If you are interested in learning more, please complete this form, email olane@nnph.org or call 775-328-2474. 

Unintentional falls

Unintentional falls represent the highest cause of reported injuries in both Washoe County and Nevada, and the leading cause of injury-related deaths for American seniors, age 65+ (CDC). The risk of dying from an unintentional fall dramatically increases with age. Most unintentional falls occur within the home residence.

Here are some simple steps you can do for yourself or your loved ones to help prevent falls:

1. Fall-proof your home: Make simple modifications to your home to prevent falls by:
  • Removing all tripping hazards such as throw and area rugs. Keep all walkways clean and tidy.
  • Installing assistive handrails, grab bars in bathrooms and on stairs. Use non-skid mats.
  • Installing night lights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways. Light up your living spaces!
  • Use this Home Safety Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults


2. Regularly review any over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and prescription medications with your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Many medications and dietary supplements are a common cause of falls, or injury from falling.  Fact Sheet on Medications Linked to Falls

3. Do exercises regularly that improve your balance, strength, and mobility – such as Stepping On, Fit & Strong, and Tai Ji Quan.

4. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Alcohol diminishes balance, reflexes, and judgement that will increase your risk of falling, as well as causing other chronic health issues.
Other risk factors for falls include:

  • Eyesight, hearing, and reflex problems
  • Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels
  • Older adults with certain types of dementia are at higher risk of falling
  • Age-related loss of muscle mass
  • Foot problems that cause discomfort

Senior Falls Prevention Videos

Falls Prevention Fact Sheets (English | Español)

Additional Resources

Last modified on 09/19/2024