The NYCHA Journal

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Prevent falls
Health & Safety Seniors Top Story 

Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Michael

As people age, falls present a threat to their health and can hinder the ability to live self-sufficiently. To ensure older adults can live independent lives, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department (EHS) would like to provide the following tips on how to reduce the chances of falling.

1 in 4 people 65 and older falls each year

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

  • Each year there are about 300,000 hip fracture-related hospitalizations due to older adult falls.
  • Women experience about 70 percent of the hip fractures treated in hospitals.
  • The chance of breaking your hip increases as you get older.

You can stay healthy and independent by being aware of falling risks, including those below (learn more here):

  • I have fallen in the past year.
  • I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely.
  • Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking.
  • I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home.
  • I am worried about falling.
  • I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair.
  • I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb.
  • I take medicine that sometimes makes me feel light-headed or more tired than usual.
Older adults walking

Falls can happen for many reasons. Some leading factors are:

  • Muscle weakness;
  • Trouble with mobility or balance;
  • Side effects of medications; and
  • Fear of falling.

To reduce fall risks:

  • Talk openly with your healthcare provider about fall risk and prevention.
  • Keep moving. Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance.
  • Get an annual eye exam.
  • Remove clutter and tripping hazards in your home.
Keep moving

Walking Outside in the Winter

When going outside, you should be mindful of any icy patches that can reappear if the temperatures drop below freezing after development staff have removed snow. Wearing the correct footwear can help protect you from icy surfaces. Once you return home, be sure to remove your footwear (because water from the bottoms can cause you to slip and fall).

Avoid a fall this winter

By staying fit and exercising, you can improve your balance and reduce the chances of falling. The NYC Department for the Aging features many health-related programs, classes, and services for New Yorkers age 60 and older in more than 300 older adult centers (OAC) across the five boroughs. You can join for free by calling 212-AGING-NYC or visiting Older Adult Center – NYC Aging. Staying engaged through activities like these offers many benefits, like feeling better, preventing social isolation, and gaining information on how to be safe when living alone.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov. Residents, employees, and any member of the public can submit environmental health and safety concerns at on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For more information about fall prevention, please visit: