Falls Prevention: Information for Older Adults

Rhode Island Numbers

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, hospitalizations, and emergency departments visits among Rhode Islanders 65 and older

• 1 out of 3 older adults over the age of 65 will fall each year
• 1 out of 2 older adults over the age of 80 will fall each year
• Over 14% of Rhode Islanders are 65 years of age or older
• Falls account for 26% of injury-related emergency department visits
• Falls account for 43% of injury-related hospital discharges (more)

What You Should Do

• Begin a regular exercise program. Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling. Ask your doctor or healthcare provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
• Make your home safer by reducing tripping hazards, adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet, adding stair railings and improving the lighting in your home (more).
• Have your doctor or pharmacist review all the medicines you take (including ones that don’t need prescriptions such as cold medicines).
• Have your vision checked by an eye doctor. You may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision. Poor vision can increase your chances of falling. (more)

What We Do

The Rhode Island Falls Injury Prevention subcommittee, which partners with over 30 organizations, works to increase awareness of falls, promotes multidisciplinary strategies to prevent falls, and encourages Rhode Islanders to take steps to protect those who are at an increased risk of falling. The subcommittee co-sponsors Matter of Balance classes throughout the state. This is an evidence-based program designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels among older adults. (more)