During National Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-25), the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) shares tips and resources to help older adults avoid falls and stay independent.
National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a nationwide observance to raise awareness about ways to prevent falls, reduce the risk of falls, and help older adults live without fear of falling.
Falls are a serious health issue and are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults ages 65 years and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, more than 14 million (or 1 in 4) older adults report falling every year.
New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “Falls are common and pose a serious health and safety risk, but they are also preventable. NYSOFA is proud to highlight National Falls Prevention Awareness Week because we work tirelessly to help keep older New Yorkers living independently, actively and socially engaged in their communities. If you’re an older adult or help care for one, there are resources to help prevent or reduce the risk of falls.”
Case managers at Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) throughout New York State play an active and essential role in falls prevention by assessing risks (including environmental risks in the home), connecting older adults to safety services, and coordinating in-home support, such as home safety modifications, Personal Emergency Response Systems, or other assistance. Many core programs provided by NYSOFA, AAAs, and the aging network provide some level of support or check-in for individuals at risk of falls, whether it's home-delivered meals, transportation, personal care, and others.
Over 40 different Evidence-Based Health Promotion Programs are offered by New York’s AAAs, serving over 35,000 participants annually. “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention” is the most prevalent Evidence-Based Health Promotion Program offered by AAAs across New York. Details are available here. Through a federal grant, the New York State Department of Health has made virtual Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes available for free statewide. Two other virtual falls prevention programs are also available: “Stepping On” and “A Matter of Balance.” More details and registration are here.
To learn more about these or other programs and supports, reach your local office for the aging by calling NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.
Association on Aging In New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, "New York's aging services providers are a vital resource to help older adults and their families proactively address the risk of falls, most of which are preventable. Area Agencies on Aging are here to help you develop a falls prevention strategy. This may include an evidence-based program aimed at improving your balance, strength, and flexibility, or a home safety assessment to minimize physical hazards in the home, or many other community-based interventions that help older adults stay safe and independent."
NYSOFA Partnerships to Prevent Falls
Since 2018, NYSOFA has also expanded its public-private partnerships with over 30 technology companies to increase service provision and improve the overall health and wellbeing of older adults, with many programs directly addressing falls prevention.
- Vivo is an evidence-based strength training and exercise program designed to increase strength and reduce falls and injuries related to falls. Vivo provides an online small-group fitness program that, unlike videos or livestreamed classes, is a live and interactive two-way experience with measured outcomes. Since 2024, NYSOFA’s partnership with Vivo has grown to include 16 counties and is currently serving more than 1,000 older adults through the various class delivery methods (Summer 2026 data). To date, almost 1,300 Vivo small-group classes have been conducted, with another 150 large group classes being held via livestream. In addition, almost 200 classes have been conducted at senior centers to reach older adults who prefer to participate in that setting.
- NYSOFA’s partnership with GetSetUp offers free online classes for older adults, including a series on Fall Prevention Awareness. Courses in the series feature exercises for balance and strength, how you can reduce the risk of falls, and how to live without fear of falling. These and hundreds of other online classes are available for free at https://www.getsetup.io/
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Learn about all of NYSOFA’s public-private partnerships at https://aging.ny.gov/
Tips to Prevent Falls
The CDC offers four easy tips to help prevent falls:
- Speak up: Talk openly with your health care provider about fall risks and prevention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines.
- Keep moving: Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance.
- Get an annual eye exam: Replace eyeglasses as needed.
- Make your home safer: Remove clutter and tripping hazards.
Falls Prevention Resources
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