The Rising Risk of Falls: Current Trends and Practical Prevention Strategies
06/01/2026
Fall-related deaths are rising among older Americans. Over the past several decades, data shows that risk increases significantly with age, with fall rates in adults 85 and older more than doubling.1
This concerning trend highlights the need for stronger preventive measures in vulnerable populations. From physical activity to assistive technology, a range of practical strategies and tools can help reduce fall risk and support safer, more independent living.
The Data Behind the Rising Risk
According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older fall each year, and the total number of falls continues to rise.2 One study examining global fall data over a 30-year period found a 182% increase since 1990, with over 45 million new falls worldwide in 2021 alone.3
Many of these incidents result in serious injury. In the U.S., falls among older adults lead to about 3 million annual emergency room visits and 1 million hospitalizations.2 But the most concerning trend is the rise in fall-related mortality, with more than 41,000 deaths reported in 2023. Further analysis from the CDC shows that adults 65 and older face an increasing risk of death from falls, with the likelihood rising each decade and peaking in those 85 and older.1
Why Fall Risk Increases with Age
Although the reasons behind rising fall-related mortality are still under investigation, the underlying factors that contribute to fall risk in older adults are well understood. As adults grow older, a combination of physical, sensory, and medical changes can significantly impact stability, coordination, and overall mobility.
These changes often develop gradually, making them easy to overlook until a fall occurs. Understanding the most common contributors to fall risk is an important first step in prevention.
Key factors include:
- Reduced muscle strength and balance
Age-related muscle loss can make it more difficult to maintain stability and recover from a misstep. - Changes in gait and coordination
Slower reflexes and altered walking patterns can increase the likelihood of trips and slips. - Vision impairment
Decreased depth perception and low-light vision can make it harder to detect obstacles or changes in surface height. - Chronic health conditions
Conditions such as arthritis, neuropathy, and vestibular disorders can affect mobility and balance. - Medication side effects
Certain prescriptions may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or drops in blood pressure.
Practical Fall Prevention Strategies
Experiencing a fall significantly increases the risk of future falls, making prevention important to maintain long-term independence and mobility.4 A comprehensive approach to fall prevention that addresses both physical and environmental factors can help create a safer living environment and reduce risk.
Routine health and vision checks play an important role in identifying changes that may impact balance. Reviewing medications with a healthcare provider can also help manage side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness that may contribute to falls.
Regular exercise has also been shown to play a key role in fall prevention.4 Activities that focus on strength, balance, and flexibility - such as walking programs or guided exercise routines - can help improve stability, coordination, and overall mobility.
In addition to these physical factors, the home environment plays a critical role in minimizing fall risk. Simple adjustments, such as improving lighting, reducing clutter, and addressing potential tripping hazards, can make everyday spaces safer and easier to navigate.
The Role of Assistive Technology
As mobility challenges increase, additional support may be needed to further manage fall risk. Caregivers play an essential role in assisting with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, and using the bathroom. Many caregivers, however, need a helping hand, especially with repetitive lifting and transfers.
Assistive technology helps ease the burden of heavy lifting, increasing safety for both caregivers and recipients. Bathing and toileting are among the most high-risk activities, both in terms of falls and caregiver injury, making supportive devices in these areas especially valuable.5,6
- Bath Seats and Lifts
Bath seats and bath lifts can significantly improve safety during bathing by reducing the need to step over high tub walls or lower someone to the tub floor. These devices provide stable, supportive seating and, in the case of powered lifts, assist with gently raising and lowering the user into and out of the bath. By minimizing strain and improving control during transfers, they help reduce the risk of slips and falls and decrease the physical demands on caregivers
- Toilet Risers and Lifts
Common solutions such as raised toilet seats and support frames can provide added height and stability, helping reduce some of the effort required during transfers. However, for individuals who need a higher level of assistance, powered toilet lifts offer more comprehensive support.
Powered toilet lifts assist users through the full sit-to-stand motion, gently raising the individual from a seated position to fully standing. By improving control and reducing physical effort, these devices help lower fall risk while minimizing the need for hands-on assistance - supporting greater independence for the user and reducing strain on the caregiver.
LiftSeat Power Toilet Lifts offer a range of customization options to optimize safety while supporting greater independence, including a bidet seat for hands-free cleaning. Unlike many other toilet lift devices that are limited to bathroom-only use, LiftSeat units can also be easily converted for bedside use as needed, making them one of the most versatile options available.
Key Takeaways for Fall Risk and Prevention
While current data shows an increased fall risk with age, many contributing factors can be managed through proactive prevention and supportive care strategies. Combining lifestyle changes, home safety improvements, and assistive technology can help reduce risk and promote greater independence.
To learn more about the role of LiftSeat Power Toilet Lifts in fall prevention and caregiver support, click here.
References:
1. Moniuszko, S. (2025, June 18). More than 41,000 retirement-age Americans died of falls in 2023. Here are tips to help prevent it. CBS News. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/americans-fall-deaths-prevention/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026, January 27). Facts about falls. https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html
2. Guo, J., Gu, Y., et al. (2025). Global, regional, and national burden of falls among older adults: Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 and projections to 2040. npj Aging. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41514-025-00275-4
3. Choi, N. G., Marti, C. N., Choi, B. Y., & Kunik, M. M. (2023). Recurrent falls over three years among older adults age 70+: Associations with physical and mental health status, exercise, and hospital stay. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 42(5), 1089–1100. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648221150884
4. Bakalar, N. (2011, August 22). The most dangerous room in the home. The Seattle Times. Retrieved September 9, 2025, from https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/the-most-dangerous-room-in-the-home/
5. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Safe patient handling. U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.osha.gov/healthcare/safe-patient-handling
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.