Civic Coffee Recap: Fall Prevention

On February 26, 2025, Age Friendly Seattle partnered with the Seattle Public Library and the East African Senior Center to host its monthly Civic Coffee, focusing on fall prevention. Paige Denison, Director of Health, Wellness, and Project Enhance for Sound Generations, discussed six essential steps to prevent falls.

Denison began by highlighting the importance of fall prevention. In 2022, accidental falls were responsible for 50% of all injury-related deaths among Washington state residents aged 65 and older. Additionally, 61% of falls occur at home, with most incidents happening at ground level due to tripping, slipping, or stumbling. Common contributing factors include uneven surfaces, clutter, and misplaced objects. While falls from heights—such as those involving ladders or stairs—do occur, they are much less common.

A fall is defined as an event in which a person unintentionally finds themselves on the ground, floor, or another lower level. Beyond the physical risks associated with falls, Denison emphasized the impact of the fear of falling. This fear can actually increase the likelihood of falling, as it often leads to reduced mobility. When individuals move around less, their muscles—especially in the legs—become weaker, which raises the risk of falls. Staying active and building strength are essential strategies not only for preventing falls but also for minimizing their impact when they do occur.

Three main types of risk factors for falls:

Click on the image above to watch a video recording of the Civic Coffee on Chronic Illness Management (YouTube, 20:18).

Physical factors: Strength and balance are crucial for fall prevention. Weak legs and a lack of overall body strength increase the risk of falling. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve stability and coordination.

Behavioral factors: Our daily choices significantly impact our fall risk. For example, going outside on an icy day without appropriate footwear heightens the chance of slipping. Selecting shoes with good traction or waiting for conditions to improve can greatly reduce fall risk.

Environmental factors: Our surroundings can either increase or decrease the likelihood of falling. Hazards such as broken steps, loose railings, poor lighting, and cluttered walkways can lead to falls. Implementing simple home modifications—such as securing rugs, adding grab bars, and improving lighting—can make a significant difference.

Six steps to help older adults prevent falls:

Find a good balance and exercise program

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining strength and balance, particularly in the legs. Activities such as walking and strength training not only help prevent falls but also improve mental health, reduce stress, and promote better sleep.

Talk with your healthcare provider about falls

If you have fallen recently, inform your doctor, nurse, or physical therapist. They can assess your fall risk and recommend exercises or mobility aids like canes or walkers. Conditions such as vertigo, soreness, or cognitive impairments can also increase fall risk, making regular check-ins with healthcare providers important.

Review medications with your medical provider or pharmacist

Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or vision issues, which can increase the risk of falls. Reviewing your prescriptions and understanding potential side effects can help you take precautions to stay steady on your feet.

Get hearing and vision checkups

Hearing loss can affect balance, and changes in vision can impact depth perception, making falls more likely. Regular checkups and wearing up-to-date prescription glasses can help reduce this risk. Be aware that bifocal and multifocal lenses can alter depth perception, so adjustments may be necessary.

Keep your home safe to prevent falls

Simple home modifications can significantly reduce fall risks:

• Keep stairways clear of clutter and repair any broken steps or loose railings.
• Install good lighting, including motion-sensor lights for better visibility at night.
• Secure rugs, remove tripping hazards like cords, and keep walkways clear.
• Store frequently used kitchen items within easy reach to avoid using step stools.
• In bathrooms, install grab bars, add non-slip strips in the shower, and consider a tub cut for easier entry and exit.

Talk to family and friends for support

Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed. Discussing fall prevention with loved ones can lead to a safer environment and provide access to useful programs and resources. If you would like to learn more about home safety modifications and available resources, check out our previous Civic Coffee recap on fall prevention and home safety modifications.

If a fall happens, it’s important to assess the situation. If you are injured, bleeding, or experiencing head trauma, call 911 for assistance. Emergency responders can help, even if it’s just to assist someone in getting back up safely.

Age Friendly Seattle is grateful for Denison’s insights on fall prevention for older adults and for the East African Senior Center’s partnership in hosting this Civic Coffee event.

Contributor Reese Wohrle is an intern with Age Friendly Seattle. He is studying Community, Environment, and Planning at the University of Washington’s School of Built Environments. To read more about Civic Coffee and other programs, Visit Age Friendly Seattle.