Fall Prevention

This section was developed in response to escalating public health concerns around falls and fall-related injuries among older adults. It also was inspired by the challenges of providing easily accessible and useful information to the public and the County of San Diego Aging and Independence Services' commitment to responding to the needs of the community and empowering individuals and the community to make safe and healthy living choices.

The goal of this section is to collect and make accessible existing best-practice information and local resources around fall prevention for those who could benefit most: older adults and persons with disabilities, their caregivers, physicians, and other health and social service providers.

An estimated one in three persons 65 years and older fall each year. Preventing falls is an important step towards maintaining independence. Tips to prevention falls include:

Exercise – Lack of exercise leads to muscle weakness and increases your chance of falling. Do the type of physical activity that you enjoy – walk, swim, take a Tai Chi class, join a local exercise class or exercise while sitting at home using the Sit and Be Fit Balance and Fall Prevention Workout.

Make sure your home is safe – About half of all falls happen at home. A safe home environment can help reduce your fall risk. Check the Task Force website for home safety checklists.

Have your medications checked by a physician or pharmacist – Taking four or more medications increases fall risk. Certain medications have greater fall risk – so take all medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals and herbals to your next visit and ask the doctor or pharmacist to check whether your medications are contributing to your fall risk.

Check your vision – Have your eyes checked yearly.

For more tips, classes, programs and local resources, go to www.smcfallprevention.org.

Videos

"Don't Fall for It" (10 Minutes)
the short version provides a brief overview of the problem, common risk factors and simple steps anyone can take to lower their risk of falling.

"Don't Fall for It" (28 Minutes)
the long version describes the above information in more detail and highlights the personal stories of three elderly individuals.

Spanish version of "Don't Fall for It" (14 Minutes)
this version provides an overview of the problem, common risk factors and simple steps anyone can take to lower their risk of falling.

Although resources in this section have been selectively chosen, it is a work in progress and we recognize that not all available resources are included. Please contact us with comments, questions or suggestions for additional resources to help make this site as comprehensive and user-friendly as possible.

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Fall Prevention

Videos

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National Institute on Aging Resources

Facts, General Information and Research