John, a 52-year-old teacher, was walking down his driveway one morning to grab the newspaper. The sun had just risen, casting long shadows across the pavement. As he stepped on a slick patch of dew-covered concrete, his foot slid out from under him. In a split second, he lost his balance and fell, landing hard on his side. Fortunately, he escaped with only a few bruises and a sore shoulder, but the incident left him shaken. John couldn’t help but wonder, if this could happen to him now, what would the future hold as he got older?
John’s fall started with a momentary loss of balance, something we all experience from time to time. But when the body can’t correct itself in time, that loss of balance can turn into a fall. A fall happens when someone unexpectedly loses control and lands on the ground or a lower surface.
Falls can happen to anyone, at any time. A simple misstep or momentary loss of balance can result in serious injury, especially as we age. While younger bodies often recover quickly, the natural changes that come with aging (e.g., reduced muscle strength, slower reflexes, and declining vision) can turn an ordinary stumble into a life-altering event.
Key facts about falls among older adults:
- One in four adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024).
- Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older Americans (CDC, 2024).
- About 37% of falls result in injuries that require medical treatment or restrict daily activities for at least one day (CDC, 2023).
- Nearly nine million fall-related injuries occur annually in the United States (CDC, 2023).
The good news is that falls are largely preventable. As an instructor, you can play an important role in helping participants reduce their risk of falling.